Filters contemporary art exhibition in Saigon - blink and you'll miss it

Large contemporary art exhibitions are a rarity in Vietnam, so while you only have Thursday 29 October 2015 to see “Filters” at Saigon’s GEM centre, if you get a chance, try and swing by. There’s some impressive work on display. We were especially struck by sculptor Bui Hai Son (pictured). Entitled Originarium, his collection of beautiful pieces in wood, bronze and stainless steel is inspired by the rice grain. The exhibition also includes work by painters Le Kinh Tai and Nguyen Quang Vinh. Vietnam’s art scene enjoyed a big spike in global interest when the country opened up in the 90s and has struggled to find its place on the world stage since then. It’s not for a lack of talent. I’m told that a new generation of young artists is producing great work. I’ve seen some of it. I hope opportunities to exhibit their work to locals and visitors continue to grow. Vietnam’s cities are struggling to allocate space to the arts like they’re struggling with public space - hence the woefully brief two day window to see Filters. This exhibition definitely deserves more than two days. Catch it on Thursday at GEM centre from 9AM till 9PM - 250,000VND.