As part of the Ha Noi Festival of Creative Design 2024, the city is hosting an exhibition that blends the past and the present in an extraordinary display of art, culture, and history. Entitled “Indochina Sense”, the exhibition, held at the historic Vietnam National University (formerly Université Indochinoise), invites visitors to immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of the Indochina period. For the first time ever, this groundbreaking exhibition, which runs until November 17, 2024, is open to the public, and it’s already drawing large crowds eager to experience its unique offerings.
The exhibition, which sprawls across multiple sections, takes visitors on a sensory journey through the Origin of Knowledge, the Flow of Origins, and the Source of Cultural Heritage, among others. Each section unfolds a distinct narrative, offering captivating installations and exhibits that delve into the history, flora, fauna, and cultural legacies of Indochina.
A Journey Through Time and Culture
Curator Nguyen The Son describes the exhibition as a tribute to the Indochinese architecture and fine arts that defined an era. It features 22 artworks and interactive installations, many of which evoke nostalgia for the region’s past, while also offering a fresh, modern take. “This exhibition aims to provide a deeper understanding of cultural values through the enduring essence of Indochinese architecture,” Nguyen shared with the Hanoi Times.
The exhibition is not just a display of art; it’s a rare opportunity for locals and visitors alike to access a historical relic, the Indochina University building, which itself is a monument to the intellectual and cultural legacy of Hanoi. The exhibition allows Hanoians to relive their city’s history, layer by layer.
A Legacy of Knowledge and Revolution
Before becoming the grand institution it is today, the site of Vietnam National University was once a vast lake. In 1906, under French colonial rule, Indochina University was founded with the mission of disseminating European sciences and methods throughout Indochina. The university quickly became a beacon of intellectual growth, training thousands of Vietnamese students in fields such as law, medicine, agriculture, and literature.
During its operation from 1922 to 1944, Indochina University was not just a place of academic learning but a crucible of revolutionary thought. Prominent revolutionaries like Truong Chinh, General Vo Nguyen Giap, and many other influential intellectuals and leaders studied there, fueling movements that would change the course of history.
This rich legacy of knowledge and revolutionary spirit is reflected in the exhibition’s core themes, inviting visitors to appreciate how Indochina’s educational and cultural heritage helped shape the nation’s future.
The Intersection of Modern Art and Historical Architecture
The beauty of the Indochina Sense exhibition lies not only in the historical significance of the venue but also in its ability to merge the past with contemporary creativity. Most of the works on display were created in just one month, with the artists drawing inspiration from the rich heritage of the university’s architecture and the cultural significance of the building.
Curator Nguyen The Son notes that the artists’ goal was to blend modern installation techniques—such as light projections and 3D mapping—with the ancient structures of the university, creating a multi-sensory experience for visitors. The result is a breathtaking fusion of contemporary art with the historical fabric of the space.
For instance, the light installation by artist Tran Hau Yen The at the exhibition’s entrance makes a striking first impression. As visitors pass through the arched doorway adorned with colorful cut-and-pasted cellophane on glass panels, they are greeted by a vibrant reflection of old Hanoi’s nostalgic hues.
Interactive and Immersive Experiences
As visitors move through the exhibition, they are invited to interact with several installations that bring the past to life in innovative ways. In the Nguy Nhu Kon Tum Lecture Hall, visitors can explore the famous 1924 mural by Victor Tardieu using dynamic light projection techniques that reveal hidden layers of color and meaning. The shifting light gradually unveils characters representing the different social classes of the Indochina period, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region's history.
On the third floor, the “Sources of Cultural Heritage” installation by Tran Hau Yen The features a striking acrylic stone tablet embossed with a phoenix, symbolizing the fusion of European architecture and Vietnamese tradition. This piece draws inspiration from the design of the Indochina University building, which was heavily influenced by the French architect Ernest Hébrard, who incorporated traditional Vietnamese motifs such as the phoenix into his designs.
Meanwhile, artist Le Phuoc Anh’s work, titled “Flow of Origins,” features layered silk panels that evoke the delicate beauty of Indochinese silk paintings. When viewed from below, these panels resemble flower petals, creating a serene, harmonious atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the grandeur of the university’s historic architecture.
Bringing the Past into the Present
As visitors wander through the exhibition, they encounter a seamless blend of past and present, with every corner of the university serving as both a canvas and a stage for artistic exploration. The “Specimen” installation on the fourth-floor balcony, created by Le Dang Ninh, features acrylic paintings inspired by the glass bottles at the Biological Museum on the second floor. This installation cleverly integrates the historical elements of the museum with modern artistic interpretations, creating an ongoing dialogue between the past and present.
The Biological Museum, which was founded in 1926, is also a key inspiration for the exhibition, drawing attention to the natural history of the Indochina region and highlighting the convergence of science, culture, and art.
A Sensory Experience for All
The Indochina Sense exhibition has left an indelible mark on both Hanoians and visitors to the city, offering a rare opportunity to explore one of Hanoi’s most historic sites through a contemporary lens. Visitors like Patrick Noland from Australia were especially impressed by the exhibition’s ability to use modern technologies to evoke the beauty of the past. “The artists use many modern installation technologies to ‘tell’ the beauty of the past, helping the public to feel multi-dimensional and multi-sensory about the art and architecture of Indochina,” Noland shared.
As Hanoi continues to celebrate its rich history and evolving cultural landscape, Indochina Sense offers a unique glimpse into the city’s soul—a harmonious fusion of the old and the new, where the timeless beauty of Indochina’s architectural and cultural heritage is celebrated in breathtaking, interactive art.
Final Thoughts
The Indochina Sense exhibition is not just an art show—it’s a deep dive into the cultural, intellectual, and architectural legacy of Hanoi. With its blend of historical exploration and modern artistry, it’s an experience that invites all visitors to connect with the past, reflect on its significance, and appreciate the enduring essence of Indochina’s cultural heritage. Whether you're an art lover, a history buff, or simply curious about the cultural roots of Hanoi, this exhibition offers an unforgettable journey through time.
* Source: Hanoi Times - hanoitimes.vnTags: Ha Noi, Indochina Sense, Ha Noi Festival of Creative Design, Vietnam National University, Université Indochinoise,
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