'The Ten Courts of the Kings of Hell, Vietnam Past & Present' is an exhibition comprised of a diverse range of works by ten contemporary artists from Hanoi. Ding Cong Dat, Nguyen Manh Duc, Le Quang Ha, Dinh Y Nhi, Maritta Nurmi, Simon Redington, Le Hong Thai, Nguyen Minh Thanh, Le Quoc Viet and Nguyen Nhu Y.

Each individual expresses a unique and intensely personal view of the dynamics of life in Vietnam today.

Previous exhibitions about Vietnam have generally focused on the ravaging legacy of war, or the traditional beauty of classic Vietnamese landscapes. The Ten Courts of the Kings of Hell' Vietnam Past & Present is a testament to the reflections of a new society which differs totally with the perceptions of the West, which are often marred with a preponderance of war imagery. Although containing many references to the past both in method and medium, the exhibition is a radical departure from orthodox perceptions of Oriental art forms and culture.

Radiating from the core of the exhibition is an installation of printed work by British artist, Simon Redington who has been residing in Vietnam since 1997. Redington?s portfolio of prints based on Buddhist beliefs concerning the 'Circle of Life' is augmented by quotes from Dante's 'Inferno', bringing these traditionally Asian themes into a Western context that has a surprisingly modern relevance.

?The Ten Courts of the Kings of Hell' is no light testament. It represents the acceptance of a natural order. And importantly, we must believe in the consequences of all our actions,? said Redington.

The work is embraced by the iconoclastic pop art masks of Dinh Cong Dat, rough hewn primitive figures of Nguyen Nhu Y and traditional Buddhist sculpture by Nguyen Manh Duc. Le Quang Ha and Le Hong Thai provide a provocative yet probing insight into the challenges of life today.

The exhibition is organized and curated by Simon Redington and Suzanne Lecht, Art Director of Art Vietnam Gallery in Hanoi.

Residing in Asia since 1982, Lecht was inspired to move to Vietnam in the early 90's by her love of the country's art and culture. She has devoted her life to promoting Vietnamese art worldwide, organizing exhibitions, residency programs, and providing a venue in her gallery for cultural exchange.

?Vietnam is in the eye of the world today. An exotic country recently opened, a safe haven in today's troubled times, a country with a tragic past and a bright future, it is time for Vietnam to be seen as it is now in 2005,? said Lecht.

For further information regarding this exhibition please contact Art Vietnam Gallery
Art Director, Suzanne Lecht

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Art Vietnam Gallery
Art Director, Suzanne Lecht
Email: artvietnam@fpt.vn www.artvietnamgallery.com
Simon Redington