Photo: Thành Trung/ Bac Ha (Saigoneer)

#PhucTanGang

Raisin, fiberglass, industrial paint, iron poles, metal belt buckle
300 x 750 x 15 cm | 118.2 x 295.3 x 5.9 inches
2020

Phuc Tan - Red River Public Art Project
Phuc Tan, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Curated by Nguyễn Thế Sơn

Phuc Tan, an unkempt slum on the edge of the Hoan Kiem district in Hanoi, is home to densely packed, illegally constructed homes occupied by low-income families. This installation is set in a former landfill, where local children play daily. Xuân-Lam's goal is to bring color, art, and humor to this neglected area, offering a space of uplift for those who may never have the chance to visit a gallery or museum.

The sculptures are life-sized renditions of tò he, a traditional Vietnamese toy made from rice starch. They draw inspiration from a Hàng Trống folk painting depicting a lion dance, commonly performed during Lunar New Year to ward off spirits and bring luck. The children in this installation are dressed in luxury brand monograms with belt buckles sourced from the nearby Dong Xuan night market, prompting a reflection on how these contrasting forces coexist in a world where both the humble and the extravagant collide.

Designed by Xuân Lam © 2025

Designed by Xuân Lam © 2025