Dinh Q. Lê
Laying Punji Stake Trap, Furama Resort - Da Nang, 2015
Photograph
Original Sizes Available:
30 x 40 inches
30 x 40 inches
The photograph is from the exhibition Tropicana Migration. The exhibition Tropicana Migration features a dynamic array of artistic expressions, including a large-scale installation, photographic weavings, photographs, and video works by...
The photograph is from the exhibition Tropicana Migration.
The exhibition Tropicana Migration features a dynamic array of artistic expressions, including a large-scale installation, photographic weavings, photographs, and video works by Dinh Q. Lê. This thought-provoking exhibition delves into the evolution of Vietnam through the lens of tourism, exploring the ironic allure of the Vietnam War and its lingering presence in contemporary culture.
Lê’s installation at 10 Chancery Lane Gallery takes a critical yet humorous approach to the tourism industry in Vietnam. He scrutinizes the migration patterns of tourists from developed nations who escape harsh winters to find warmth in Vietnam, often capitalizing on the economic disparities to enjoy lavish treatment. In a world where countries like Vietnam rely heavily on tourism dollars, Lê highlights the surreal scenarios that emerge as the industry adapts to attract visitors.
The journey begins in Hanoi, where tourists are greeted by the iconic refrigerated mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, the revered revolutionary leader. Moving southward, visitors can explore the former Demilitarized Zone and Danang, where luxurious five-star resorts line the shores of “China Beach.” This beach, once a strategic site during the Vietnam War, serves as a stark reminder of the past, where American soldiers could bomb North Vietnam in the morning and sunbathe in the afternoon.
Further south lies the village of Son My, known for the tragic My Lai Massacre, where 400 women and children lost their lives on March 16, 1968. Today, tourists can visit this historical site, then indulge in fresh seafood and relax on beautiful beaches. Finally, the exhibition culminates in Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon—a name that reflects local resistance—where culinary delights abound and the bustling sex trade caters to every need at accessible prices. This vibrant city has even attracted infamous figures like Garry Glitter, who found his own version of paradise before facing the consequences of his actions.
Through Tropicana Migration, Lê invites viewers to engage with the complexities of Vietnam’s cultural landscape, revealing how the intersections of history, tourism, and human experience create a rich tapestry of modern life in the country.
The exhibition Tropicana Migration features a dynamic array of artistic expressions, including a large-scale installation, photographic weavings, photographs, and video works by Dinh Q. Lê. This thought-provoking exhibition delves into the evolution of Vietnam through the lens of tourism, exploring the ironic allure of the Vietnam War and its lingering presence in contemporary culture.
Lê’s installation at 10 Chancery Lane Gallery takes a critical yet humorous approach to the tourism industry in Vietnam. He scrutinizes the migration patterns of tourists from developed nations who escape harsh winters to find warmth in Vietnam, often capitalizing on the economic disparities to enjoy lavish treatment. In a world where countries like Vietnam rely heavily on tourism dollars, Lê highlights the surreal scenarios that emerge as the industry adapts to attract visitors.
The journey begins in Hanoi, where tourists are greeted by the iconic refrigerated mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, the revered revolutionary leader. Moving southward, visitors can explore the former Demilitarized Zone and Danang, where luxurious five-star resorts line the shores of “China Beach.” This beach, once a strategic site during the Vietnam War, serves as a stark reminder of the past, where American soldiers could bomb North Vietnam in the morning and sunbathe in the afternoon.
Further south lies the village of Son My, known for the tragic My Lai Massacre, where 400 women and children lost their lives on March 16, 1968. Today, tourists can visit this historical site, then indulge in fresh seafood and relax on beautiful beaches. Finally, the exhibition culminates in Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon—a name that reflects local resistance—where culinary delights abound and the bustling sex trade caters to every need at accessible prices. This vibrant city has even attracted infamous figures like Garry Glitter, who found his own version of paradise before facing the consequences of his actions.
Through Tropicana Migration, Lê invites viewers to engage with the complexities of Vietnam’s cultural landscape, revealing how the intersections of history, tourism, and human experience create a rich tapestry of modern life in the country.