A photo by Plonk and Replonk is on display at the exhibition. — Photo coutersy L'espace

HA NOI (VNS) — An exhibition and art installation by Plonk and Replonk group will open today at L'Espace in Ha Noi.

The exhibition will feature about 45 colour photos and ordinary objects that will surprise and make fun of everyone.

Plonk and Replonk was established in 1995 by artist brothers Hubert Froidevaux and Jacques Froidevaux. They are popular in Switzerland and known for their absurd humour and wicked wit, which borders on the sarcastic and mischievous.

By turning ordinary objects, habits and events upside down and inside out, Plonk and Replonk ask people to see reality in other ways.

The photos, measuring 420cm by 600cm, are created from those owned by the National Postal Museum of France, the Museum of Lyon History and private collections.

Under each photo, the artists write both critical and lighthearted captions that deal with globally relevant topics such as environment, globalisation, education and consumerism.

The highlight of the exhibition will be the installation of ordinary objects, including Vietnamese paper fans.

The artists printed photos on four paper fans, measuring 2m by 1m and 4m by 2m. They also used about 10 advertisement boxes and 20 street-name boards that have been displayed at the exhibition.

A six-minute video clip will be shown at the exhibition, featuring artworks by the artists.

As a subtle parallel, three oil and lacquer paintings of Vietnamese artist Nguyen Manh Hung will be displayed at the exhibition.

Hubert said, "It's very interesting to have an exhibition with Hung. It's a pity that only a few artworks by Hung are displayed."

He said, "I saw Hung's artworks on a website, but almost all of them were sold. We will meet each other at the exhibition's opening this afternoon and I hope we will have time to talk."

It is the second exhibition of the artists at the French Cultural Centre in Ha Noi, following the first one in 2012.

Hubert said, "I'm excited with this exhibition because we have time to prepare for the exhibition. The captions make our artworks unique."

Almost of the photos are from their latest photo book, published last October.

Only Hubert, the older brother, has come to Ha Noi this time.

The exhibition will run till April 12 at 24, Trang Tien Street, Ha Noi. – VNS