2008 05 31 - Viet Fest, Asian Civilisation Museum

ACM Weekend Viet Fest! In conjunction with the exhibition Viet Nam! From Myth to Modernity
31 May - 1 June, 11am – 6pmFree

Catch the many colours of Vietnam! There’ll be performances, tasty treats, exciting games for young and old and demonstrations by Vietnamese and locally-based artists and more! Don’t miss the rare opportunity to observe renowned Vietnamese artist-in-residence, Le Quoc Viet, whose specialties include calligraphy and traditional print making. Also watch out for a special lion dance performance on stilts - all the way from Vietnam!

Viet Nam! From Myth To Modernity21 May 2008 - 30 Sep 2008@ Special Exhibitions Gallery, ACM Empress Place

This exhibition will focus on one of Asia’s fastest growing economies – Vietnam - from its mythical origins to the rising economic power it has become today. Visitors will be able to explore Vietnam's unique cultural identity, as seen in the diverse material cultures that developed over the past 2,500 years.

This rich legacy is the result of different cultural influences, which were absorbed and adapted. The advanced bronze technology of the Dong Son culture of northern Vietnam some 2,500 years ago, shared similarities with Chinese traditions and was also exported to other parts of Southeast Asia.

The Viet culture of the northern Red River region, was heavily influenced by China during the first 1,000 years of the common era, when the region was under Chinese rule. In central Vietnam, the Hindu Buddhist kingdom of Champa left an important legacy of temples and sculpture, inspired by Indian traditions. In the highlands and other remote areas, tribal communities involved in cross-border trade also engaged in the process of cross-cultural adaptation.

Important pieces from national museums around Vietnam, will be exhibited in this exhibition, including archaeological materials, sculpture, textiles and ethnographic objects. Some exhibits will come from private collections and the ACM’s own collection.