Where Vietnamese Literature Meets Contemporary Ceramic Art
GỐM THIỆP (Thiệp Ceramics) is not just another exhibition—it is a one-of-a-kind cultural event that bridges literature and fine art, uniting 42 renowned Vietnamese visual artists in a groundbreaking ceramics showcase. Opening on June 14, 2025, at Củi Lũ Art Space in Hoi An, this exhibition promises to be one of the most ambitious and poetic art experiences of the year.
A Tribute to Nguyễn Huy Thiệp, Retold in Glaze and Clay
At the heart of GỐM THIỆP lies the literary world of Nguyễn Huy Thiệp, one of Vietnam’s most influential modern writers. In celebration of what would have been his 75th birthday, artists from across the country have come together to reinterpret his stories, characters, and words—not with brushes and canvas, but with blue-and-white ceramics.
These aren’t just decorative plates or vases—they are vessels of memory, of mood, and of metaphor. Each artwork is inspired by a specific quote, passage, or moment from Thiệp’s oeuvre, transforming literary depth into physical form through glaze, texture, and form.
42 Artists, 42 Interpretations
Never before has such a large group of visual artists participated in a ceramic project based on Vietnamese literature. Among the notable names are:
Lê Trí Dũng, Đặng Xuân Hòa, Nguyễn Quang Thiều, Đinh Quân, Đào Hải Phong, Phan Minh Châu, Phương Bình—all legends in Vietnamese contemporary art.
Each artist followed a personal path into Thiệp’s universe. Some etched his words directly into clay, others sculpted abstract emotions, while a few recreated vivid scenes from his stories.
Nguyễn Phan Bách, Thiệp’s son, adds a deeply personal layer to the exhibition with his own artworks—reflecting memory, loss, and legacy.
Curated by Lê Thiết Cương
Celebrated artist and curator Lê Thiết Cương has masterfully orchestrated this symphony of creative voices. His curation balances traditional materials like ceramics with the modern sensibility of Vietnam’s leading artists. The result is a harmonious dialogue between past and present, literature and visual language, and craft and concept.
“We are not just glazing ceramics—we are glazing stories,” says Lê Thiết Cương.
Why You Shouldn't Miss GỐM THIỆP
It’s the largest collaborative ceramics project ever in Vietnam tied to literature.
It celebrates Vietnamese cultural heritage through both traditional craft and contemporary expression.
It’s an immersive experience: see, feel, and read ceramics as storytelling objects.
It's hosted at Củi Lũ Art Space, a rising cultural destination in Hoi An, located by the tranquil riverbank—an ideal setting to slow down and reflect.
Exhibition Details
🔹 Opening: 10:00 AM, Saturday, June 14, 2025
🔹 Venue: Củi Lũ Art Space, Hoi An, Vietnam
🔹 Duration: June 14 – June 28, 2025
👉 Visit GỐM THIỆP and Discover the Literary Soul of Vietnamese Ceramics
Whether you're an art lover, literature enthusiast, or cultural explorer, GỐM THIỆP invites you to experience something truly original. Come see how 42 voices become one symphony in blue and white. Let ceramics speak. Let stories breathe.
