“GỐM THIỆP” is not just an exhibition—it is a poetic return. A meeting point of ceramics, literature, and memory, this special event at Cui Lu Art Space in Hội An pays tribute to one of Vietnam’s most iconic literary figures, Nguyễn Huy Thiệp. Through over 200 handcrafted ceramic works, the exhibition reimagines his words, characters, and emotional landscapes in blue-glazed clay, giving new life to stories that once only existed on the page.
A UNIQUE TRIBUTE TO A LITERARY LEGEND
Nguyễn Huy Thiệp is widely regarded as a writer who reshaped Vietnamese literature in the 1980s. His stories, often bold, poetic, and unflinchingly human, have stirred generations of readers. Now, for the first time, his literary world takes shape in the physical form of ceramics—crafted with fire, shaped by memory, and glazed with artistic devotion.
“GỐM THIỆP” is part of a national exhibition journey across three regions of Vietnam, with Hội An serving as its central stop. Curated by renowned artist Lê Thiết Cương, the exhibition features works by 42 artists from across the country. Together, they interpret Nguyễn Huy Thiệp’s prose, poetry, and plays onto ceramic plates, jars, and vases using the timeless blue-and-white glaze of Bát Tràng.
Some artists transcribe entire paragraphs of his writing directly onto ceramic surfaces. Others illustrate characters or scenes from his works. And remarkably, visitors will also encounter original ceramics hand-painted by Nguyễn Huy Thiệp himself, including self-portraits and sketches of friends and loved ones—rare personal relics shared for the first time with the public.
A HEARTFELT OPENING IN HỘI AN
The opening ceremony on June 14, 2025, was more than just a launch—it was a soulful gathering. In the lush riverside setting of Cui Lu Art Space, the event brought together the writer’s family, the participating artists, colleagues, and a large community of art and literature lovers from near and far.
What unfolded was an intimate atmosphere full of emotion and sincerity. The presence of the writer’s loved ones, the passionate words of the artists, and the deep engagement of guests created what many described as a quiet celebration of memory, creativity, and legacy. It was a tribute not mournful, but alive—with laughter, storytelling, thoughtful reflection, and a shared sense of purpose.
AN OPENING FILLED WITH LIGHT, LAUGHTER, AND LITERATURE
The morning of June 14 unfolded in golden sunlight as Củi Lũ Art Space welcomed a crowd that quickly filled its riverside garden—friends, artists, writers, collectors, and art lovers from Hội An and beyond. Conversations sparked under the trees, laughter echoed between ceramic displays, and a quiet sense of reverence hung in the air.
It was more than an opening—it was a heartfelt gathering. Members of writer Nguyễn Huy Thiệp’s family stood side by side with the artists who brought his words to life in ceramic form. People lingered over the details of each piece, sharing their favorite stories and discovering new facets of his legacy glazed in blue and white.
As the morning deepened, traditional music and cultural dance performances brought an added layer of spirit and warmth. In áo dài and Hoi An lanterns offering moments of stillness and storytelling through rhythm. It was art meeting art—ceramics and literature in quiet dialogue with gesture and motion.
The entire event pulsed with a sense of connection—between generations, between mediums, and between memory and imagination. As the final notes of music faded and the last dance steps drew to a close, it was clear: GỐM THIỆP had not only opened—it had been joyfully, deeply received.
WHY “GỐM THIỆP” IS A MUST-VISIT IN HỘI AN
One-of-a-kind tribute to Nguyễn Huy Thiệp’s literary legacy
Over 200 ceramic artworks by 42 artists from across Vietnam
Rare personal pieces painted by the writer himself
Held at Cui Lu Art Space, a serene venue nestled beside Cổ Cò’s riverbank
Free admission for all visitors
Curated by celebrated artist Lê Thiết Cương
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Exhibition dates: June 14–28, 2025
Venue: Cui Lu Art Space, Trường Sa Street, Thịnh Mỹ, Cẩm An, Hội An
Admission: Free
Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
Whether you are a lover of literature, a fan of Vietnamese art, or simply looking for a soulful cultural experience in Hội An, “GỐM THIỆP” is a journey worth taking. Let the voices of ceramic, fire, and memory guide you through a new way of seeing one of Vietnam’s greatest writers.
Cui Lu Art Space extends our warmest thanks to all who joined the opening—and invites everyone to be part of this living tribute throughout the exhibition.
