HA NOI — Art Vietnam Gallery will debut a poety reading series, which entitled Xoa [caress/erase] on November 17.

The series, which describes itself as "six readers, one poem, two languages, and one hundred ways to xoa/xoá [caress/erase]," will gather on the third Thursday of every month.Tonight, poet Dương Tường, 85, will read his own poem. Other poets will then interact with the work, re-reading the verse and  "caress/erase/spill themselves with chalk. These poets include Nguyễn Quí Đức, Nguyễn Quân, Hải Yến, Nhã Thuyên and Kaitlin Rees.Entrance is free and participation will be encouraged. Open mic to follow.

On Sunday, Art Vietnam will host the book launch of The Soul of Vietnam –  a look at the work of Vietnam. Photographer Larry D’Attilio, an American who came to Việt Nam 10 years ago and fell in love with the country. Weaving through the culture from North to South, the photographer "captured the magnificent to the mundane, all with the eye of respect for the natural beauty of the country and joy and creativity of the lives."

The book is written in English and Vietnamese and portrays 150 images arranged thematically into chapters including landscapes, contemporary life, humor, tradition, and a myriad of moments that express D’Attilio’s feelings and viewpoints on a changing country of boundless energy.

A mini exhibit of images in the book and a Q&A section with the photographer will follow the book launch. The event take place from 6pm to 8pm.

Art Vietnam Gallery is at 24 Lý Quốc Sư Street. — VNS