Unsubtitled, 2010-2013

Video installation, 19 wooden cut-outs, PAR-form
23"

Collection of Singapore Art Museum
 
In 2010, Nha San Studio, the first experimental art gallery in Hanoi, was forced to shut down by the local authorities. This was due to the circulation of an image of an artist who performed in the nude at the gallery, which had spread throughout the media. In the same year, after lying low for a little while, Nha San re-opened with an exhibition of a work titled Unsubtitled (2010-2013). This video work of Trinh Thi depicted artists and arts workers associated with Nha San enjoying a meal together.

Eating is one of the most basic acts for the continuation of human life: regardless of social or political identity. Everyone is capable of choosing the food they want to eat. Trinh Thi asserts, “Eating doesn’t require an explanation.” Through this work, Trinh Thi voices her criticism of the surveillance and intimidation of artists in Vietnam. Unsubtitled, through its political relevance, occupies an important position in the development of contemporary art in Vietnam.

 

About the Artist

​​Trinh Thi explores the role of memory in her artistic practice. With her knowledge of journalism, photography, international relations and visual ethnography, she uncovers hidden histories which reside in societal memory, which according to her, needs to be continually uncovered and deconstructed. In 2009, she founded DOCLAB, as a centre for documentary films and moving images in Hanoi. Rather than just being a place to develop technical expertise, DOCLAB, also forges a courage to make statements through one’s work. DOCLAB is frequently censored by the security forces of Vietnam.


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