Long Bien remembered

For more than 100 years, the Long Bien Bridge has been an integral part of the capital’s history – so much so that it has become a symbol of Vietnamese vivacity, permanence and hope.

In recognition of its importance to Hanoians, Maison des Arts is hosting an exhibition of artworks by famous and unknown artists on the theme of Long Bien Bridge and the impact it has had on their lives – imagined or real.

Minh Chau, a singer and amateur photographer, will be exhibiting three of the 105 paintings she has made of the bridge over the last four years.

"It not only links the two sides of the Red (Hong) River, it is also a bridge joining together two very different lifestyles, a natural and quiet one on one side and the noisy busy life of the city on the other," says Chau.

Filmmaker Pham Van Truong is exhibiting footage of both the bridge and the Old Quarter called The Line of Time, which celebrates its practical and cultural significance.

Also exhibiting at Maison des Arts are Vietnam News Agency photographer Na Son, French artist Douglas Jardine and Vietnamese painter Vuong Thao.

To encompass the deep symbolic feeling shared by many for Long Bien Bridge, exhibits will be changed weekly until October 11 – the bridge’s 105th birthday (and 54 years since Ha noi was liberated), when Nguyen Nga, Maison des Arts’ director and project manager, plans to hold a final exhibition entitled Memory of a Bridge.

To mark the occasion, Long Bien Bridge itself will be transformed into an artwork, with the participation of hundreds artisans from around the country. There will also be a parade by ethnic minorities, and a costume show featuring traditional Hanoian dress dating back to the 19th century. Providing a psychedelic and sonorous backdrop, 105 singing kites will be flying over the bridge.

Nga said: "In 1989, when I first came back to the country after 30 years living in France, I remember cycling across the bridge. I was so excited by the vibration when a Train came by, which evoked a feeling of a dragon turning over. Since then, I have nurtured the dream of making Long Bien Bridge into a dragon. The festival will the most beautiful way to promote the image of Viet Nam abroad."

Nga said everyone is welcome to contribute to the exhibition.

"It will be a gift that I want to offer to my homeland, and Hanoians," said Nga.

"Anyone can take part in the festival, all contributions are encouraged"

Construction of Long Bien Bridge, which is 1,860m long, began in September 1898 and was completed in 1903. It was designed by French architect Gustave Eiffel, who was also responsible for the eponymous Parisian landmark.

Anyone interested in submitting works can e-mail Nga at maisondesarts@gmail.com. — VNS

Tag: Exhibition , Festival , Ha Noi , Hanoi , Old Quarter , Paintings , Train , Viet Nam , Vietnam , Vietnamese

Long Bien remembered

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