As part of the programs in celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and Vietnam (JF No. 20 event), The Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam proudly presents the lacquer painting exhibition “Moon” by Saeko Ando, opening on Sept 8 (Friday) in Hanoi.  

 Based in Vietnam since 1995, Japanese artist Saeko Ando studied son mai lacquer painting – a genre born in Vietnam in the early 20th century – and Vietnam’s ancient craft of using son ta natural lacquer under the guidance of artist Trinh Tuan, lacquer master Doan Chi Trung, and lacquer artisan Lam Huu Chinh. 

 In a nearly three-decades-long career, Saeko has gained international renown as a contemporary artist, who merges traditional Vietnamese lacquer-craft skills and son mai painting techniques learned from past generations of lacquer masters with original methods she developed through decades of experimentation. Zen philosophy, devotion to nature, and the influence of Japanese aesthetics are all evident in Saeko’s works.
All the artworks displayed at this exhibition depict the moon in various phases, seasons, weather, time of day, and shades of color. And they are displayed alongside waka poems that Saeko chose for them. She hopes her paintings will etch beautiful verses in people’s hearts and awaken their precious memories or conjure up new sensations.  

Information about the exhibition and related events: 

 Exhibition opening:     17:00, Friday, 8/9/2023 (free entrance) 

 Artists’ talks:                Saturday, 9/9/2023
                                       10:00 – 12:00 (only Vietnamese)
                                       15:00 – 17:00 (only English)
                                       Registration in advance is required.
                                       (Exhibition opens for registered people only)

Link to register for Vietnamese talk: https://bit.ly/AndoSaekoTalk_V
Link to register for English talk: https://bit.ly/AndoSaekoTalk_E

 Display time:                from Sunday 10/9/2023 to Sunday 1/10/2023
                                        9:00 – 18:00 (open daily) 
                                        Free entrance 

 Venue:                           The Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam
                                        27 Quang Trung, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi 

 For further information and interview with the artist, please contact:
Mr. Osuka (ext: 160) – Ms. Hương (ext: 106)
The Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam
27 Quang Trung, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi                    TEL 024-3944-7419    
www.jpf.org.vn                https://www.facebook.com/japanfoundation.vietnam/  

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 Information about artist: 

ANDO Saeko 

Lacquer painting artist 

 www.saekoando.com 

 Born in 1968 in Japan 

B.A. in Philosophy (1992)
Waseda University 

 Ando Saeko is also known as a researcher in the field of natural lacquer and shares her findings via lectures, conventions, and symposia in the international arena.   

 She created the key visual for the new opera “Princess Anio”, which will be performed on 22-24/9/2023 at Hanoi Opera House and 4/11/2023 in Tokyo, a cultural collaboration to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and Vietnam. It is the first time natural lacquer has been used for this purpose.  

 Saeko Ando now lives and works in Hoi An, where the energies of the rice paddies, rivers, and ocean fuel her creative endeavors.