International visitors visiting the artworks of sculptor Diem Phung Thi at the former exhibition site (No. 1 Phan Boi Chau, Hue City)
Renovation of the exhibition space
Nam Kinh Construction Trade and Service Co., Ltd., the construction unit, has increased the number of staff and workers to complete the renovation process indoors and outdoors, such as painting walls, restoring rooms, installing lighting system, etc.
Mr. Dang Van Binh, representative of Nam Kinh Trade and Service Construction Co., Ltd, said: "We are trying our best to renovate the building, and complete the project for the exhibition management unit to reopen the center and welcome guests during the Hue Festival 2018."
The renovation project for indoor and outdoor exhibition space is supposed to ensure a proper place for displaying the images and artworks of sculptor Diem Phung Thi. Also, the renovation will not disrupt the architecture of a French-style house, only expanding and connecting the rooms.
According to Mr. Binh, renovating the art space is more difficult than renovating an ordinary building. Apart from several technical requirements, other aesthetic criteria from painting walls to upgrading electric lighting system should also be fulfilled.
For the Le Ba Dang and Diem Phung Thi Arts Center, all the previous packed artworks are under examination, and peeling works under treatment. At the same time, promotion schemes with billboard and display content are being prepared, especially the art solutions as well as the relocation of works from No. 1 Phan Boi Chau to No.17 Le Loi after the building’s renovation project is completed.
Visiting the artworks of sculptor Diem Phung Thi at the former exhibition site (No. 1 Phan Boi Chau, Hue City)
Creating the focal point
"Along with relocation, we repaired and restored works, artifacts and materials, those in danger of deterioration and damage. The works and images for exhibition are selected in accordance with each stage on the basis of ensuring the criteria and requirements on quality and efficiency. The new display style demonstrates the national character and modernity, and promotes all the artistic values of the existing art of Diem Phung Thi; and simultaneously, meets the needs to enjoy culture and art from domestic and foreign tourists,” said Ms. Dinh Thi Hoai Trai, Director of the Le Ba Dang and Diem Phung Thi Arts Center.
On the basis of an appropriate scheme to connect current rooms and renovate interior space, with the total area of 267 square meters for display, the exhibition will introduce the life and career of Diem Phung Thi through some her documentary images and memorabilia.
With respect to the previous way of display at No.1 Phan Boi Chau, Diem Phung Thi’s artworks will be displayed following three different stages of her career, including: experimenting, affirming signature, and applying. The number of exhibits may increase or decrease depending on the display area after the completion of the new space renovation at 17 Le Loi and the consultation with experts.
Ms. Hoai Trai emphasized: "On moving to a new facility, we focus on display solutions that ensure the aesthetics to honor the works, such as attaching great importance to the layout of lighting art and pedestal to create appealing highlights. It is important to promote these highlights by selecting typical artworks to entice viewers."
For outdoor exhibition, all artworks at No.1 Phan Boi Chau will be retained. Some damaged items will be restored to their original state.
The surrounding grounds at No. 17 Le Loi will not have any additional facilities, and will be devoted to displaying outdoor works. The existing fence will also be removed to create open space, connecting with the Phan Boi Chau statue park and Tu Tuong Park.
On the inauguration of the new exhibition center, the Le Ba Dang and Diem Phung Thi Art Center will organize the 25th anniversary of the establishment of Diem Phung Thi Exhibition House.
Story and photos: Minh Hien