HÀ NỘI — A solo exhibition entitled Canh 6 or Calculus Exercise #6/5 by contemporary artist Nguyễn Huy An will open at Manzi Art Space from 6pm on Saturday. 

Known for his quiet, powerful paintings, installations and performance pieces, An’s practice tends towards a minimal way of expression, using dark materials sourced from everyday life with an association to memories.

In Calculus Exercise #6/5, An shows small, simple, serene and poetic paintings on dó (poonah) paper portraying iconic rural sceneries alongside his conceptual writings.

Inspired by landscapes or historical relics in the north of Việt Nam like Tản Viên Mountain, Hoàn Kiếm Lake or Giày Temple and by lingering memories and symbols associated with countryside folktales, like the betel nuts, spinach fences, the shadow of a buffalo or a village hall, originating from the Red River Delta, An’s conceptual texts work as a visual archive of his memories and histories that relate to the social and political context of the region.

Sang Sông (Crossing the River) by Nguyễn Huy An.

The exhibition is an intricate poetic journey where the artist wanders through time and space and the past and the present, while delving into the culture and history of Việt Nam.

Calculus Exercise #6/5 is An’s 2nd solo exhibition since 78 Rhythms – his first solo show at Galerie Quynh in HCM City in 2014.

The free entry exhibition, which is part of Manzi’s art programme supported by the Danish Embassy, will be on display until June 30. Manzi Art Space is at 14 Phan Huy Ích Street. — VNS