Artist to rouse flow of a thousand years

      Artist Dao Anh Khanh is getting ready to cheer the capital’s birthday with his three-tiered project Dong Chay Ngan Nam (The Flow of a Thousand Years). Vi Thuy Linh finds out how he’s getting on.
What inspired you to carry out such an art project for Thang Long – Ha Noi’s 1,000th anniversary?
My performance piece, entitled Hoa Cung Vu Tru (Join the Universe), which was organised for the 990th anniversary of Thang Long – Ha Noi in 2000, attracted a lot of public attention, particularly from other artists. That first encouraged me to carry out a significant event for the millennial anniversary of Ha Noi next year.
You held the performance for the 990th anniversary along Ngoc Thuy Dyke (Long Bien District, Ha Noi). Why did you choose your studio as the venue for these upcoming events?
I wrote the scripts for Dong Chay Ngan Nam in 2001, and first selected the alluvial plains of the Red River for the performance’s backdrop, but changed my mind because it would not be convenient or pleasurable for audiences. Many houses and buildings have sprouted up along the river in the past 10 years as well, making the area less impressive for my piece.
The script was changed in 2005 to include Duong River and Duong Bridge, as well as in 2007 to include Hoan Kiem (Sword) Lake and its surroundings, but practice performances were unsuccessful in these locations. Time runs fast; the great anniversary will be upon us soon. So I decided to come back to my studio, to not depend on natural backdrops.
The first event this November is also the first significant performance to be launched by an individual in Viet Nam. You must have met with difficulties doing everything by yourself, such as calling other artists to join you and finding funding and sponsorships.
Attitude is the most important thing. A good attitude brings fervour and excitement to my work. I’ve received support from 15 artists in Ha Noi, who I have been close with for a long time.
On the other hand, the 1,000th anniversary is a spiritual event that can’t be missed. If everyone was afraid of the troubles they might face, what would ever get done? I have the advantages of experience. And I have a venue.
What criteria did you have for the artists you invited?
Most of them were born in Ha Noi. They have lived and worked here for a long time. They are the painters, sculptors, video artists and singers that I understand deeply. Over the course of many years, they have worked effectively, showing their talents, enthusiasm and prestige. They have made many contributions to the contemporary art scene in Ha Noi and Viet Nam.
How will artists express their ideas at Hoi Tu Anh Sang?
They will not be obligated to stay within a particular theme. They will only be required to contribute their best work. Their artwork should mention issues and contain pictures of Ha Noi that express decisive values of art and humanity. Each painter will introduce at least one painting. There are no restraints otherwise.
How will the artworks be displayed?
Each artwork must be considerable because of the large performance space. My studio is 1,800sq.m. The total area including the surroundings and entrance is 5,000sq.m. The space spreads across 1km on Ngoc Thuy Dyke. Each artist will be responsible for a large area. All pieces will be at the mercy of wind and rain, because they will be arranged outdoors. There will also be security guards on duty 24/7.
Due to the theme of the programme, every piece must shine on its own. They can shine with fire, electricity, batteries, lasers, candles or other materials.
Artists will stand side by side with their works.
Musicians who are well-known in the contemporary music scene will appear on three stages: on the dyke (Nguyen Xuan Son and Tran Kim Ngoc), in the studio (Vu Nhat Tan) and outside the studio (Tri Minh), to perform from the afternoon through the night. Canadian artist Brian Pring, 58, who has lived in Viet Nam for 10 years, will create video art in the courtyard. Italian artist Simona, 32, who has exhibited her paintings throughout Ha Noi, will create installations with fire and electricity.
Finally, can you say something about the other two events, Cau Am Thanh and Cay Doi?
Cau Am Thanh (Bridge of Sounds) will connect the past and the present, and Viet Nam to the rest of the world. The 50m bridge will be made from bamboo and will be capable of playing music. Audiences will have a chance to listen, watch and see their responses to the uninterrupted sounds of the bridge. They will also enjoy the singing voice of Dao Anh Khanh at the end of the show.
The Cay Doi (Tree of Life) performance is built upon a famous quote by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe: "All theory, dear friend, is grey, but the golden tree of actual life springs ever green". This tree of life is a symbol of hope and vitality, I think.
I will use an image of bamboo sprouts, which will be made from various materials such as bamboo, nylon and concrete. The highest one will be 35m with a diameter of 0.6m. I will arrange 36 bamboo sprouts (5 – 12m in height) to mark the 36 streets of ancient Ha Noi. Contemporary music with leading musicians will be the foundation for this event.