Leaders of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports and the artists at the opening ceremony of the installation space. Photo: Hanoi Museum

The installation “War and Peace” was created from aircraft fragments and bomb shells. These historical artifacts are now being presented in a new aesthetic framing that inspires visitors to reflect on the value of peace and each person’s responsibility to safeguard it.

Airplane wreckage and bomb casings make up the art installation space "War and Peace". Photo: Hanoi Museum

Artist Thu Tran, co-creator of the installation “War and Peace,” said: “These bomb fragments, resembling blooming lotus clusters, symbolize a faith that brings us serenity in times of peace. When we have sufficient faith, we can sit together and share with one another. That’s the essence of peace.”

“Spring Dance,” created by artist Nguyen Duc Phuong, is vibrant and energetic. The installation is composed of tuồng theatrical whips made from recycled materials and suspended on an open structure of rustic bamboo frames to move softly and rhythmically in space.

The installation space "Spring Dance" by Nguyen Duc Phuong. (Photo: Hanoi Museum)

The combination of bamboo, a traditional material deeply connected with Vietnamese culture, and bright bands of color creates a striking visual effect. The work expresses a folk spirit while also reflecting a contemporary aesthetic.

Artist Nguyen Duc Phuong said: “In tuồng stage art, a horse is often expressed symbolically rather than literally. I wanted to transform that into installation art, shifting it from traditional performance to a new form of artistic expression.”

This exhibition evidences the Hanoi Museum’s new exhibition mindset in which heritage is liberated from glass displays and revitalized through the creative idioms of contemporary art.