Titled Nam Sử Hoạ Kiếng, the exhibition traces the cultural, artistic, and spiritual history of Southern Vietnamese glass paintings through archival narratives and curated works.
Southern Vietnamese glass painting flourished from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century, particularly in areas such as Lai Thieu, Cho Lon, and Cho Moi. Executed using reverse-painting techniques on glass, the works became known for their vivid colours, glossy surfaces, and durability, making them well-suited to the climate and living environments of Southern Vietnam.
The exhibition also highlights how glass painting historically existed across both decorative and devotional contexts. While some works were used to embellish domestic interiors, others became closely tied to folk beliefs and spiritual practices through household altars and worship spaces.
Rather than framing glass painting purely as a decorative craft, Nam Sử Hoạ Kiếng positions the medium within a broader artistic and historical continuum of Southern Vietnam. The exhibition unfolds across different timelines, from folk and religious imagery of the past to present-day restoration efforts and future possibilities for reinterpretation within contemporary culture.
“More than mere decorative objects, these works preserve layers of belief, memory and aesthetic sensibilities across generations,” the organisers wrote in the exhibition statement.
The project also marks a broader shift for Sài Gòn Vi Vu, which began as a platform documenting Saigon’s everyday urban culture before gradually expanding into heritage-focused and preservation-oriented projects over the past decade.
Nam Sử Hoạ Kiếng is open daily from 9AM to 8PM at Annam Gallery. Admission is priced at VND50,000 per person.