Capturing The Movements Of The Heart: The ‘In Motion’ Exhibition By H o Vi et Vinh
Architect Hồ Viết Vinh presents a new and relatable artistic experience to the youth of Saigon, blending abstraction with familiarity.
Once upon a time, three monks observed a flag waving in the breeze and engaged in a debate. The first monk remarked, “The flag is moving.” The second countered, “The flag itself cannot move; the wind is moving.” The third monk posited, “Both the wind and the flag move in harmony.” A fourth monk, passing by, declared, “Neither the wind nor the flag truly moves; it’s our perceptions that shift.”
As I explored Hồ Viết Vinh’s “In Motion” exhibition, I felt a mix of emotions and thoughts. Each artwork was filled with different colors and hinted at movement, even though they were still pictures.
Every painting by Hồ Viết Vinh is a visual delight. While his intent might have been to capture the essence of motion in nature, he achieved something profound: a reflection on the inner movements of our souls.
Walking Amidst the Colors
I visited the exhibition on a Sunday afternoon in the vibrant and spacious Audi Charging Lounge. The first thing that struck me was the ingenious arrangement of paintings interspersed within the existing layout of the Audi Charging Lounge – primarily a venue to display and charge vehicles.
In front of the art display area stood an Audi car, embodying the spirit that Architect Hồ Viết Vinh captured in his paintings: the relentless transition of all things. This particular notion resonates with the theme of “art in motion” – the fusion of art and movement, the convergence of paintings and cars, as the artist shared during his talk at the exhibit.
Eighteen paintings were showcased in the space. Some were mounted on walls, while others seemed to “fall” from the ceiling, unexpectedly appearing before the viewers, illustrating the serene shifts of nature.
Among these “falling” artworks, clusters of three or four paintings merged. The movement of these pieces wasn’t merely vertical from the ceiling downwards but also spanned horizontally, unfolding right before the viewers. Additionally, these “falling” artworks leaned against one another, forming pairs that seemed to hover in the air.
Beyond these elements, there appeared to be no specific intent in the sequential arrangement of the paintings, whether front to back or outer to inner. True to what Architect Hồ Viết Vinh mentioned in his interview with Vietcetera: “Relax, let your guard down, and take your time with details that captivate you. If none do, it’s alright to move on.”
Experiencing Art Beyond Just Sight
The first time I saw these paintings, it was a delightful and captivating confusion, and I think many young people who aren’t familiar with art felt the same way.
Almost all the artworks did not depict any tangible objects. Viewers might struggle to grasp solid subjects or sharp features if they cling to traditional aesthetic experiences such as realism or the expectation that every object must be explicitly depicted.
To truly appreciate Hồ Viết Vinh’s art, one needs to feel it in ways beyond just sight. In front of certain paintings, after meticulously following every brush stroke, I had to close my eyes to visualize and organize my perceptions. The essence of understanding his art lies in engaging multiple senses and individual experiences.
What really caught my eye in his artwork was how he played with colors. Some colors smoothly flowed into each other, while others looked intentionally uneven, giving the impression of swirling winds and twisting waves.
The painting that struck me the most, “Untitled 18,” seemed to involve not just paint but also wood – or what seemed like wood. I say this because the canvas isn’t truly flat: upon close observation, you can discern the coarse wooden texture emerging from it. To me, this painting exploits light and material to play with the viewer’s perception.
From a distance, it feels as if you’re looking down a long corridor illuminated by a sidelight, with the soft yellow glow of a house at the end. However, as you draw nearer and notice the rough surface, the perception of depth fades, and the corridor seems to vanish, leaving behind intertwined hazy squares.
The Untitled: Letting the Work Speak for Itself
On the day of my visit to the exhibition, architect Hồ Viết Vinh had a sharing session with the media and attendees. He talked about his artistic endeavors, the confluence of architecture and fine arts, the motivations behind the exhibition, and his insights into his creations.
The highlight of this sharing was his revelations about drawing inspiration from nature and the artistic ethos he adopted. Hồ Viết Vinh expressed a deep resonance with the artworks of Caspar David Friedrich, the emblematic painter from the Romantic era.
Vinh’s pieces echo the evocative style and liberality of nature portrayed in Caspar David Friedrich’s paintings. He saw harmony in Friedrich’s illustrations, emphasizing humanity’s humble stance against the overwhelming majesty of nature.
This sentiment is palpable in Vinh’s “Untitled 5” – a portrayal of the ocean that captures human awe and humility before nature’s magnificence, reminiscent of Friedrich’s “Wanderer above the Sea of Fog.”
He also shared the reason why all the paintings are untitled. He didn’t want them to be confined to a predetermined meaning, aiming instead for viewers to find both familiarity and uniqueness in their interpretations. I find this approach intriguing.
Indeed, it’s always insightful to admire a painting and then hear the artist’s thoughts on it, understanding the emotions and intentions behind the colors and strokes. Yet, I often found that my interpretations didn’t fully align with his explanations.
While observing his work and listening to his insights, I began to grasp his artistic intentions. But still, I found myself resonating with emotions that he might not have anticipated.
This disparity might be the essence of art: it’s not about uniformity but about individual interpretations, as long as there’s mutual respect. This seemed to be the core of the discussion: listening, understanding, and appreciating the diversity of perspectives on art, life, and nature.
From 1st to 10th September 2023, the ‘In Motion’ art exhibition was held at Audi Charging Lounge, 6B Tôn Đức Thắng. Jointly organized by Lotus Gallery and Audi Vietnam, it was supported by Vietcetera, Saigon Cider, and Cara Lighting, drawing over 2,000 attendees.
The artworks remain displayed at Lotus Gallery (1st floor, Cspace Center, 12-13 N1 street, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City) until 24th September 2023, as part of ‘Olfactory Odyssey – Beyond Perfume,’ blending visual arts with fragrance artistry.
The original article is of Vietcetera via the link.
Next project | xin
Xin
Xin cho mây xám cuối trời,
Cỏ hoang yên giấc đồng phơi nắng vàng,
Xin cho gió chở lời mang,
Đồng dao vang tiếng ngỡ ngàng đường quê,
Xin cho trăng ngủ bờ đê,
Gối tay tỉnh giấc chưa về đã hay!
Request
Grant the gray clouds at sky’s end,
Let wild grass slumber in sunlit meadows,
Grant the wind to carry whispers,
Children’s rhymes echo with wonder down rustic paths,
Grant the moon to rest on riverbanks,
Cradled in arms, awakening to dreams not yet returned.
Ho Viet Vinh 251104
Acrylic on canvas, 2025
Next project | Lotus
Ngẩng đầu nghe gió hát,
Ho Viet Vinh
Tắm mát mạch nguồn khơi,
Chơi vơi miền êm ả,
Nghiêng ngã một đời không?
Next project | Ngựa hoang
Vinhho, Wooden carving, Maison d’Art, 2026
Ngựa hoang
Vết thù gởi lại nhân gian,
Hoá làn mây nước lướt bay khắp trời,
Một đời ngược gió tàn hơi,
Hồn phơi phách lạc tạc lời thuỷ chung.
KTS. Hồ Viết Vinh 260110
Next project | Echo
Âm vang núi rừng khắc lộ vòng niên đại
thở vết thời gian.
Vết chạm khắc sâu hoài niệm bản địa,
đưa quá khứ
cùng hiện diện
với cơn lốc của sự biến đổi.
Vinhho, Wooden carving, Maison d’Art reserved, 2025
Next project | Building a Smart and Modern City of Light
The program “Unlimited Connections – Building a City of Light” broadcast on HTV9 provides a comprehensive perspective on the role of lighting in shaping modern and sustainable urban areas.
The story of Saigon’s light—an essential element of life and culture—has been shaped by its tropical climate and a distinctive “nightlife” culture since the city’s earliest days. Lighting not only ensures the safety of living and working spaces but also contributes to the aesthetics and prominence of modern urban architecture. However, uncontrolled use of lighting can lead to energy waste and environmental pollution. The program emphasizes the importance of smart lighting that is appropriate, sufficient, and aesthetically pleasing while minimizing light pollution, aiming to enhance overall visual harmony with the surrounding space. Building a city of light that is exemplary, harmonious, and rich in identity is a collective effort—to make the city brighter, more beautiful, and increasingly civilized.
Urban lighting is not merely about beautification; it also fosters a sense of comfort and relaxation, drawing residents into the city’s nighttime activities, thereby making the urban environment more vibrant and dynamic.
Architect Hồ Viết Vinh
We invite you to watch the program to explore the role of lighting in building smart, modern, and sustainable cities.
Next project | Maison de la LUNE
Maison de la Lune embodies a poetic interplay between architecture and nature, where the invisible space reflects upon the surface of existence. The fluid curves of the structure mirror the organic forms of the surrounding environment, creating a harmonious dialogue between the built and the natural. The expansive glass panels invite the outside in, blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior. Light and shadow dance across the surfaces, evoking a sense of tranquility and introspection. This architectural masterpiece is a serene sanctuary, a place where the essence of nature is captured and reflected, offering a contemplative retreat from the chaos of the world.
HVV Architect & Partners with AI supported
Next project | Phuoc Tich Pottery: Reviving the Timeless Craft of Hue’s Ancient Village
Source: HVV Architect and Partners
Phuoc Tich Ancient Village, established in 1470 during the reign of King Le Thanh Tong, lies 40 kilometers north of Hue, embraced by the gentle flow of the O Lau River. Within the village, 26 ancient wooden houses (nhà rường), each over a century old, stand as testaments to traditional craftsmanship. Among these, 12 houses are particularly esteemed for their architectural and artistic value. Additionally, the village is home to 12 water docks, iconic symbols of the rural charm of Hue.
Phuoc Tich pottery, renowned for its meticulous firing process in robust, high-temperature kilns, boasts exceptional durability—resistant to cracking and brittleness—while retaining heat and preserving flavors. The intricate designs etched into Phuoc Tich pottery are distinctive and refined, making them unmistakable among other ceramic products. Historically, Phuoc Tich pottery surpassed many renowned competitors to become the exclusive choice for the imperial court of Hue.
Today, the art of Phuoc Tich pottery is experiencing a revival, driven by passionate young artisans dedicated to preserving the traditional craft passed down through generations. Visitors to the ancient village can immerse themselves in its cultural heritage by participating in pottery-making workshops with local artisans, creating a memorable and hands-on connection to this timeless tradition.
HVV Architect & Partners embodies a vision where architecture resonates deeply with local heritage and the natural environment. All their design and construction projects are rooted in a commitment to authenticity, with a distinctive focus on using Phuoc Tich pottery as a core material.
Phuoc Tich pottery are not merely functional but carry the soul of Hue’s artisanal legacy. Their durability, natural hues, and fine craftsmanship make them a perfect medium for creating spaces that blend tradition with modernity. By incorporating the material, HVV Architect & Partners elevates local materials into architectural expressions that honor the past while embracing contemporary aesthetics.
Each project reflects a philosophy of harmonious living, where the choice of materials and design principles creates spaces that are sustainable, culturally enriched, and emotionally resonant. Visitors and occupants alike experience an intimate connection to Hue’s cultural identity through the timeless beauty of Phuoc Tich pottery, seamlessly integrated into innovative and inspiring architectural designs.
Through these efforts, HVV Architect & Partners not only showcases the versatility of traditional materials but also contributes to the preservation and celebration of Hue’s rich artistic heritage. This approach ensures that every building tells a story of place, people, and enduring craftsmanship.
Next project | Tự vấn
AI ngày càng trở thành trí tuệ siêu việt và con người ngày càng phụ thuộc vào máy móc. Khủng hoảng hiện sinh đang đẩy chúng ta vào chân tường với những câu hỏi day dứt về tính nhân văn trong cuộc sống. Là một kiến trúc sư, Tôi đang đối diện với chính bản thể của mình để trả lời cho câu hỏi cốt lõi:
Liệu kiến trúc có còn khả năng dẫn dắt con người chạm vào bản thể tự nhiên, nguyên sơ của họ – thay vì chỉ chạm vào những bản sao hoàn hảo nhưng vô hồn của công nghệ?
Để trả lời, Tôi phải trầm mình vào thực thể cuộc sống, để thân xác sống động của mình hòa quyện vào thế giới hiện tượng – nơi ánh nắng, gió thoảng, mùi đất ẩm, sự mát lạnh của đá và tiếng lá xào xạc không còn là đối tượng quan sát từ xa, mà trở thành sự giao thoa (chiasm) đảo ngược: tôi chạm vào thế giới, và thế giới chạm lại vào tôi. Chỉ khi đôi tay không chỉ lướt trên bàn phím mà còn thực sự xúc chạm trực tiếp với ánh mặt trời, với vỏ cây thô ráp, với hơi thở của không gian, thì bản năng nguyên thủy mới được đánh thức. Kiến trúc chân chính không phải là hình khối trừu tượng hay mô phỏng kỹ thuật số; nó là nghệ thuật của sự hiện diện vật lý (embodiment), nơi thân xác con người trở thành phương tiện để cảm nhận sự dịch chuyển. Trong sự hỗn độn ấy, con người không còn là chủ thể tách biệt quan sát thế giới như đối tượng, mà là một phần của sự sống – nơi cảm nhận và cái được cảm nhận đan xen, không thể phân định. Chính sự gắn kết giác quan đa chiều này – haptic (xúc giác), olfactory (khứu giác), auditory (thính giác), cùng với thị giác – mới giúp chúng ta lấy lại sự cân bằng giữa thế giới ảo và thế giới thực, giữa bàn phím lạnh lẽo và hơi ấm của thiên nhiên.
KTS. Hồ Viết Vinh. 260112
Next project | Ru
Ru
Ru đời mấy giấc chiêm bao,
Xôn xao như gió ngã nhào bờ mê,
Ru quê cho tỏ đường về,
Tỉ tê câu chuyện bờ đê mái đình,
Ru mình chỉ mấy lời kinh,
Tâm minh hồn triết thanh hình sắc tao.
Lullaby
Lull life’s dreams in fleeting flight,
Stirred like winds tumbling on enchanted dikes,
Lull the homeland, reveal the path home,
Whisper tales by riverbanks and village halls,
Lull the self with sacred dharmas,
Enlightened soul, wisdom’s grace in form and rhyme.
Ho Viet Vinh 250412
Next project | Triumph
Triumph
The interplay of deep reds and blues evokes a cosmic dance, where the intangible whispers its presence across the surface of being. This visual symphony captures the essence of triumph, a celebration of the invisible forces shaping reality. The textures and hues blend seamlessly, creating a sense of depth that invites contemplation. It is a portrayal of the silent dialogue between the visible and the invisible, a testament to the power of abstract art to reveal the profound mysteries of the universe.
Acrylic on canvas, 1.8×1.8m, Maison d’Art, 2024
