Inner Vision

Previous Exhibition

INWARD VISION
Vietnam

OUTWARD VISION
The Philippines

If you visit almost any Vietnamese home you are likely to find an alter, one filled with ancestral photographs, Buddhist deities and lotus flowers. This reverence for tradition is augmented by the tranquil nature of Vietnamese rural life, where over 80 percent of the population resides. This is a remarkably different image than the enigmatic “Vietnam” deeply embedded in the American conscious. Obscured by colonialism, communism and the cold war, Vietnam has only recently opened its borders to cultural exchange.

When viewing this exhibition of recent Vietnamese artworks it is difficult not to be astounded by their tranquility and contemplative nature, for there is virtually no sign of bitterness or remorse from war. The emphasis is of inward vision and personal expression, qualities only recently made available again to the Vietnamese people.

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Since World War II the Philippines have been a sovereign nation, but still carry the burden of colonial and imperial occupations from their turbulent past. It was not until the imposition of martial law by the Marcos regime in 1972 (causing great social unrest) that Filipinos started to question if government was serving the people. This led to the infamous people revolution that ultimately ousted Marcos from power in 1986. Skeptical of former imperial influences, Filipinos today are looking outward at their society, as they strive to redefine their social and racial identity.

The intense soul searching of the 80’s and 90’s greatly expanded and energized Filipino art, as it spoke to issues such as national history, ancient traditions, social justice and feminism. Observing this art today, it is evident that the styles are very cutting edge and often employ mixed media, wit and play on words and images to comment on society.