The exhibition brings into focus discussion around how we use plastics in our everyday life, and hopes to spark conversation around environmental shifts within this issue.
Exhibited artworks explore the materiality of plastic itself, its likeness to fabric and paper, but also bring a positive, beautiful perspective on what would have been trash. Main pieces also speak to our current fast fashion industry, which contributes to pollution across the world.
Inspiration for Bianca’s artworks is her exploration of collections at the Vietnamese Women’s Museum, as well as the historical artifacts at the Muong Cultural Space Museum in Hoa Binh province. “There is a lot of great possibility in connecting with the traditional practices of the ethnic tribes in Vietnam, and the First Nation People in Australia, who lived far more sustainably with the land. I think we have so much to learn from every culture, and with a collective knowledge we can help solve this issue”, said Ms Bianca.
Photos: Viet Anh
In the lead up to this exhibition, the Australian artist conducted a painting and embroidering on plastic workshop with pupils from a range of schools in Hanoi. They were also asked to take their own photos to document plastics in their everyday life.
From the workshop, the Vietnamese Women’s Museum will develop an education program in which it helps students learn about social issues through interactive and experimental activities.
According to Ms Stacey Nation, Counselor of the Australian Embassy, the exhibition may challenge your definition of an art exhibition as it uses contemporary expression to reflect social issues. Through the exhibition organizers being open to displaying the artworks made by pupils, this brings art closer to daily life.
“It proves that everyone is able to be creative, they have their own way to protect the environment, and we treasure all of their effort”.
Bianca is also one of more than 1,500 New Colombo Plan (NCP) students who will have studied in Vietnam by the end of 2018. Her work is among many other activities that NCP students have done with different Vietnamese communities, contributing and enhancing people-to-people links between the two countries and the development of Vietnam./.