An installation entitled License 2 Draw by artist Ưu Đàm Trần Nguyễn. — Photo courtesy of the artist

HCM CITY — A contemporary arts exhibition is being held at the launch of a new contemporary arts centre, The Factory, in HCM City.

The exhibition titled TechNoPhobe displays artworks in various genres, including multi-media, art video, installation and sculpture, by Vietnamese and French artists.

Vietnamese artists Ưu Đàm Trần Nguyễn, Trúc-Anh, Ngọc Nâu, Lê Thanh Tùng and Cao Hoàng Long, and French Thierry Bernard-Gotteland have created works that employ a diverse range of technology-based media, from three-dimensional printed sculptures to video holograms.

Ưu Đàm’s works are a highlight of the exhibition, including his latest installations titled Laser Target Shooting and License 2 Draw.

He combines art and technology to explore contemporary urban life and the ways in which people connect across vast distances.

Exhibition goers can download the License 2 Draw app on their iPhones, iPads or Android phones and create whatever artwork they want on the 36-sq.m. canvas.

“They are created with smartphone apps. I set up the installation to encourage people to explore my works through technology,” Ưu Đàm said. “People in Hà Nội can interact with my work License 2 Draw at HCM City-based The Factory and can paint using remote-control techniques.”

The License 2 Draw installation was among nearly 40 others from all over the world to be put on display at Japan’s annual Koganecho Bazaar art festival in Yokohama City in 2014. Đàm studied and practised art in Los Angeles. He returned to live in HCM City in 2007.

“My works have been displayed in other countries, but this is the first time I have had the chance to show them to the Vietnamese thanks to the new The Factory establishment,” Đàm said. “I’m very happy.”

TechNoPhobe is co-curated by Trọng Gia Nguyễn and Ti-a.

“Setting up an art network to educate and inspire people is very important to me,” Ti-a, The Factory founder, said.

The six-week exhibition will kick off Saigon Now, which is an art creativity series marking the establishment of The Factory in HCM City.

The 1,000-sq.m centre is located at 15 Nguyễn Ư Dĩ, Thảo Điền Street, District 2. — VNS