Vietnamese, Chilean artists discuss role of contemporary art

Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnamese and Chilean artists presented their views on contemporary art and art exchanges at a roundtable discussion held in Hanoi on July 19.

The event was jointly organised by the Chilean Embassy in Vietnam and the Vietnam-Chile Friendship and Cooperation Association under the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations.

Speaking at the discussion, Chilean Vice Ambassador to Vietnam Gonzalo Guaiqui said the exchange of art is a process that connects Vietnam and Chile, despite their geographical distance.

He shared the examples of Chilean musician Victor Jara, who wrote a song about peace in support of Vietnam during the war; and Chilean graffiti artist Alejandro “Mono” González, who travelled to Vietnam to take part in the Hanoi ceramic mosaic mural project with a 10-metre long piece on Vietnamese-Chilean friendship.

Participating Vietnamese and Chilean artists together provoked discussions on the role of contemporary art and future opportunities for art exchanges between the two nations.

Young Vietnamese artists said many contemporary artists have to work in other fields due to underfunding in the local creative industries, yet they remain determined to pursue their passions.

Chilean visual artist Maria Luisa Puortuondo said she wishes to be closer to her audience, using non-traditional art venues such as public spaces.

According to her, contemporary art consists of the artwork, audience, artist, and site specificity. She said audience not only observe but also interact with artists in a fluid exchange. -VNA