‘50 Objects’ welcomes Year of the Cat

By Mai Nguyen-Long

50 Objects is inspired by the 50th anniversary of friendship between Australia and Vietnam, spanning from 1973 to 2023. January coincides with Lunar New Year celebrations (Tet) and 2023 is Year of the Cat in Vietnam (not Rabbit as in China).

Originally focussing on cats, 50 Objects quickly expanded into an opportunity to appreciate visual art and cultural resources about Vietnam not so widely accessible in Australia. The objects exhibited are from private collections and comprise some original artworks from artists in Vietnam, folk art prints, museum reproductions of artworks, art books, water puppets, and posters.

All the documents and artefacts have been garnered through a very personal journey of reconnection with Vietnam. Extending interconnections, there are contributions from local Australian creatives of Vietnamese descent, and a UOW New Colombo Plan project, with special thanks to Chan (Trang) Bobbert, Eliane Morel, and Linda Luke; Gabe and Rose Chamberlain in Tasmania.

This exhibition honours an idea of subjectivity within a context of considering the vibrancy of Vietnamese heritage. The clusters of objects do not attempt to provide a complete story but are snapshots of possibilities for more research. In this way, 50 Objects hopes to inspire a viewer’s curiosity to embark on their own journeys of discovery.

50 Objects is grateful to Thirroul Library, Nguyen Kim Long, Kerry Nguyen-Long, Hanh Nguyen, Vietnam Centre, and the many more advisors and supporters whose research, exhibitions, and artworks are represented.

Contact: mailongx@gmail.com

When & where: 5-30 January at Thirroul District Community Centre and Library.

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