I visited the ‘Nát Giỏ Còn Bờ Tre’ exhibition by Trung Nghĩa, and it was touching. The title means that even if the basket is torn, the bamboo hedge still remains.
To me, it was a strong reminder that even when things change or break, our roots and traditions stay with us. The bamboo in the exhibition symbolized a lasting connection to the past and the strength that comes from it. And the exhibition beautifully showed how our culture and values continue to shape us, no matter what.
The artist brought memories from his hometown, Quảng Nam, where bamboo was used for many things, from woven floors and ceiling panels to everyday objects. His artworks reflected the simple and peaceful village life he grew up with.
I, on the other hand, grew up in a city where bamboo groves were something I only saw in books, movies, or photos. Because of that, I found it hard to fully connect with the artworks in the gallery.
Still, the story and message he shared throughout the exhibition were truly inspiring. It was about rediscovering traditional values → reimagining them → giving them a place in modern life.
The most meaningful part of Trung Nghĩa’s exhibition, for me, was when he invited the elderly craftsmen to the opening and introduced them as a core part of his artwork.
These gentlemen had a deep understanding of bamboo, rattan, and other natural materials from their village. Now retired, they have witnessed their craft slowly fade as the country developed and younger generations chose different paths.
Trung Nghĩa saw himself as a bridge, connecting these craftsmen and their traditional knowledge to the contemporary art world.
