12 May to 28 September 2008

Since adopting the open-door policy in 1986 with the implementation of the Doi Moi (Renovation) policies, developments in art in Vietnam have corresponded to the dynamic changes taking place in the economic, social and political spheres.  What was once regarded as ‘politically correct’, artists experimented beyond Realism, with both Western art approaches and the traditional arts, adapting, adopting and appropriating forms and appearances to which the end was often to create an art that is ‘Vietnamese’.  

Post-Doi Moi: Vietnamese Art after 1990 is set to examine the changes that took place after the implementation of the Renovation policies. What was once a subsidy system implemented with the re-unification of the country when the Viet Minh won the war in 1976, it was replaced with an open-market economy. The starting point in the exhibition is 1990 with the year marking the first commercial art gallery to open in Hanoi and based on the assumption that the policies would have needed a period of gestation before changes are made apparent. A total of 62 works is on display within four sections – Reminiscence, Land, Individual and Transformation. Through these themes, the changes in the development of art during the last two decades can be systematically studied.

 Post-Doi Moi: Vietnamese Art after 1990 is the visual arts component of the Vietnam Festival organised by the National Heritage Board in celebration of the 35 years of diplomatic ties between Singapore and Vietnam. The exhibition is part of Credit Suisse Innovation in Art Series of programmes, an important long-term partnership between Singapore Art Museum and a major bank to present a series of inspiring shows to Singapore audiences over three years starting October 2007.

Heart of Mother by Do Son
1994
Oil on canvas
95 x 134 cm
Collection of Singapore Art Museum

This painting depicts the mother praying for her departed loved ones that she lost to the War.  Photographs of her sons can be seen behind the altar. Do Son was a soldier who fought in the Vietnam War.