Photo Editing Session at National Institute of Fine Arts, Laos: An Excerpt (22 Dec 2017)
As a cultural worker of the third world, it is important to speak in simple language, free of jargon, so that my ideas can be conveyed easily (with or without translation).
Looking back, it may be embarrassing to review how I speak, but if this helps to deliver my point, so be it.
Here is an excerpt from the editing session at National Institute of Fine Arts (NIFA), Vientiane, Laos, on 22 December 2017. This is my second contemporary photography workshop at NIFA, supported by Clay House Studio (Vientiane) and John Chia (Singapore).
NEW BEGINNINGS : exhibition of Lao Printmakers
Vientiane Times
Abstract prints tantalise at i:Cat Gallery
More than 100 abstract print artworks by students and teachers from the National School of Fine Arts are now on display at the i:Cat Gallery in Vientiane.
The exhibition is entitled 'New Beginnings' and features an array of printed works that blend various styles and mediums to create multi-layered marble-like effects in a fresh look at print work.
Art lovers, the curious and simply passersby are all welcome to come and discover this striking exhibition for themselves, with New Beginnings on display until the end of the month.
Deputy Director of the Vientiane School of Fine Arts, Mr Sithon Demak, said We are pleased to collaborate with the i:Cat Gallery to host this exhibition, which showcases the work of students and teachers from the print department of our school.
He said the exhibition was staged with the objective of providing teachers and students with a public platform for their work, hoping to receive friendly feedback so that they can further develop their artistic talents.
New Beginnings assembles 125 works in which students and teachers give free rein to their imaginations through creative techniques and skills including wood cuts, mono prints, metal drypoint etching, plastic printing, and sketching.
The prints on display are the fruit of a year of study at the Vientiane School of Fine Arts, where students receive tuition from both Lao and foreign teachers. They also received technical support from the French Institute in Vientiane, which arranged for a group of French printmakers to hold a short training course at the school.
i:Cat Gallery Curator Ms Catherine O'Brien said There are many forms of printing here and it's a kind of complicated process of printing. What the artists want to do is to communicate not only their techniques but also their emotions and feelings.
The i:Cat Gallery is located on Setthathirath Road, near Vat Simeuang in Chanthabouly district, Vientiane. The gallery is open fro m 6pm-10pm on weekdays and from 12pm-6pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Female artists display their imaginations
The Women's Union at the National Institute of Fine Arts opened an exhibition on Friday to display works produced by artists wi th the theme “women's imaginations”.
The 10th fine arts exhibition by women and girls saw the return of an annual event held every year by the institute since it was founded 10 years ago, which has attracted widespread interest and provided a rare opportunity for Vientiane art lovers.
The gallery exhibit serves to show the different points of view expressed by female artists on canvas and publicise the talents and abilities of women in general.
The event was organised by the National Institute of Fine Arts in cooperation with all the related sectors and material support from various domestic and international organisations in Laos.
President of the Lao Women's Union at the National Institute of Fine Arts, Ms Vanthavy Thavongxay spoke at the official opening of the exhibition.
She reported that it features some 428 art pieces including 110 paintings, 154 works of graphic art, 24 pottery pieces, 30 wood carvings and some 100 handicrafts.
All of these artworks were created by women and girls and serve as a testimony to the abilities of women.
The exhibition aims to promote women's rights in Laos as well as celebrate International Women's Day on March 8.
The featured art pieces were created by women from the National Institute of Fine Arts, Vietnamese artists, and students from Vientiane Secondary School, Vientiane-Ho Chi Minh Secondary School and Chao Anouvong Secondary School.
Ms Vanthavy explained that the artists are opening their imaginations to audiences in an attempt to reflect the value and identity of the art and culture of Lao people, and the easy living and beautiful traditions of their ancestors.
Entry to the exhibition is free and it will be open every day until March 18 at the National Institute of Fine Arts in Anou village, Chanthabouly district.
President of the Lao Women's Union at the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Ms Souphaluk Thiravong, opened the event.
By Times Reporters
(Latest Update March 16, 2016)
Lao NEWS on LNTV-Japanese art of woodblock printing on display in Vientiane. 10/06/2013
VO Japanese art of woodblock printing on display in Vientiane
INTRO: The Embassy of Japan in Laos, in collaboration with the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism and the Japan Foundation, last week held lectures and a workshop about the Japanese art of woodblock printing.
STORY: The workshop took place at the Laos-Japan Human Resource Development Institute and the National Institute of Fine Arts in Vientiane from June 5-8.
According to the embassy, the Agricultural Training Service Centre in Vangvieng district, Vientiane province also organised some activities. The purpose of the four-day event was to deepen people's understanding of the exhibition 'SHARAKU -- Interpretation by Japanese Contemporary Artists', which is currently open in Talat Sao Shopping Mall.
Woodblock printing was introduced into Japan along with Buddhism in the 6th century A.D. and evolved greatly during Japan's history. The art of Japanese woodblock printing, known as Ukiyo-e, was at its most vibrant in the Edo period (1603-1868). It is said that Ukiyo-e has even influenced European impressionist painters such as Van Gogh.
The Lao participants also experienced making Japanese prints with their own hands. Their work was then attached inside Japanese style fans made from Lao bamboo and paper by the people of Vangvieng district.
The workshop was part of celebrations surrounding the 40th Anniversary of Asean-Japan Friendship and Cooperation, and is expected to enhance mutual understanding and learning between both countries.
Relaxing place.mov
Video realized during the PAPAC's workshop with the National Institute of Fine Arts in Vientiane, Laos PDR in November 2011 by Khem-Seng Sengr-Thith.
nightmare in dream
Video realized during the PAPAC's workshop with the National Institute of Fine Arts in Vientiane, Lao PDR in November 2011 by Bana Xaiyavong.
Lao NEWS on LNTV: Lifestyle of Lao people portrayed through arts.22/12/2015
VO Lifestyle of Lao people portrayed through arts
INTRO: The Lao People's Democratic Republic is marking its 40th anniversary with a series of achievements in various fields highlighting the progress made in national development over the past four decades. Our LNTV English News Bulletin is telecasting a series of stories on the achievements of the Lao PDR to mark the 40th anniversary celebrations. Today we have Lifestyle of Lao people portrayed through arts
STORY: For thousands of years the everyday customs and traditions of the Lao people have been reproduced in paintings, sketches and weavings by skilled artists and talented people from the National Institute of Fine Arts.
Through the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, the Party and state have continued to enhance and preserve the fine arts as the legacy of our ancestors, who practised many different kinds of art forms. Painting, embroidery, woodcarving, pottery, sculpting, moulding and casting using methods developed centuries ago have all been conserved and promoted throughout the country's history
Interview: Dr Maising Chanboutdy, Director, National Institute of Fine Arts
… Lao….
According to NIFA Director Dr Maising Chanboutdy, over the past 40 years, the fine arts have developed quite fast. Officials working as teachers in this field have learnt a lot, both in Laos and overseas. Laos now has a doctorate degree in fine arts. A number of fine arts schools were built following national liberation in 1975.
NIFA Director Dr Maising Chanboutdy said that in 2002, the fine arts school became the National Institute of Fine Arts (NIFA) and introduced more subjects. The institute now teaches courses in painting, graphic arts, sculpture, traditional art and restoration, and communication art and design.
Fine arts schools have opened in Luang Prabang, Savannakhet and Champassak provinces to teach advanced courses to young people, to preserve Laos' fine culture and provide jobs for people skilled in this work.
Dr Maising said the Party and state have focused on building infrastructure and conserving cultural traditions over the past 40 years to ensure that Laos' fine culture is developed alongside developing and protecting the nation.
The Party and state are paying particular attention to building infrastructure in many areas across the country. The construction of the new NIFA building is part of the development of the culture sector.
Laos now has a new fine arts building where Lao people can further their interest in the field, as is the case in other Asean nations. The government allocated 48 billion kip to build the four-storey building in Phonpapao village, Sisattanak district. The institute represents a milestone in the development of human resources in the field of fine arts.
Built with government money, the institute symbolises the importance of fine arts to the nation. Laos now has a place worthy of those who wish to pass on the country's cultural legacy to future generations. The lifestyle of the Lao people has been portrayed over the years by skilled artists throug h various forms of handicraft including the sculpting and carving of various patterns, motifs and mouldings.
Lao NEWs on LNTV: An exhibition titled “Bygone Beauty”.6/4/2016
VO: An exhibition titled “Bygone Beauty” aiming to promote Lao culture and support young artist in Laos
INTRO: An exhibition titled “Bygone Beauty” to showcase the elegant beauty of Lao women by a Lao-American artist is on display at the Maison de la Culture de Ban Naxay to promote Lao culture and support young artist in Laos.
STORY: An exhibition titled “Bygone Beauty” featuring 28 colourful oil paintings of Lao women in traditional costumes by Mr Sompaseuth Chounlamany has caught art lovers’ attention following its opening in Vientiane recently.
It is said that, such an impressive exhibition aims to promote the fine art of oil painting while encouraging local artistic expression in others. The style of oil painting blends realism and impressionism inspired by artists of the Renaissance and Baroque periods, particularly Raphael, Rembrandt and Vermeer depicting the daily life of women in Laos in days gone pass.
Interview: Sompaseuth Chounlamany, Artist….. Lao?... English?….
According to the artist, Sompaseuth Chounlamany, he wants to promote more art activities in Laos and preserve the fine tradition of Lao costume through the arts. This is his first solo exhibition and he is proud to support the exhibition house and its activities by donating paintings for auction
Interview: Sompaseuth Chounlamany, Artist….. Lao?... English?….
Aside from the exhibition, he also held a workshop with young artists from the Institute of Fine Arts to promote on the painting style. Also he auctioned off some of his paintings, where all the earnings will help preserve the Maison de la Culture, and promote its artistic activities.
The award winning Mr Sompaseuth, who blends realism and impressionism, is a USA-based Lao artist with a great love for oil painting, having exhibited his works both in Laos and the US.
According to the Representative of Maison de la Culture, Sompaseuth Chounlamany was born in 1991 in Vientiane, Laos. His works have been exhibited at various locations in his home state of Virginia, Rhode Island, and Laos.
His works has received several awards from the Service Authority of Prince William County and recognitions from the State Art Exhibit of Rhode Island.
The exhibition can be seen at the gallery on Sisangvone Road in Naxay village, Xaysettha district,
Lao NEWS on LNTV: The Lao Fine Arts Association has revealed its plans for 2016-2020.1/12/2016
VO The Lao Fine Arts Association has revealed its plans for 2016-2020 seeking new talent
INTRO: The Lao Fine Arts Association has revealed its plans for 2016-2020, which include opening branches in Luang Prabang, Savannakhet and Champassak provinces.
STORY: Members of the association met in Vientiane to review recent achievements and put forward plans for 2016-2020. The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Buangeun Xaphouvong.
A member of the association's Executive Board, Dr Bounthieng Siripaphanh, reported on the achievements of the association from 2003-2015.
These included the design and construction of images of former leaders and national heroes, such as the statues of Chao Fa Ngum and Chao Anouvong in Vientiane. Association members have also created images of former leaders and national heroes as well as Buddha images in the provinces of Saravan, Xekong, Huaphan and Oudomxay.
Artists have also painted pictures to decorate the interior of government guesthouses and conference halls.
Over the past 10 years, the Lao Fine Arts Association has held 45 exhibitions when 1,500 items produced by association members were exhibited.
Dr Bounthieng said plans for 2016-2020 included the development of officials' skills, the training of more artists, and help with finding job opportunities for trained artisans.
Aiming to increase the number of people in this field, the association plans to develop teaching/learning programmes for the National Institute of Fine Arts in Vientiane
Lao animator hopes to inspire
The local film scene in Laos has grown over the past few years, which has inspired many young filmmakers to experiment with their ideas by employing different film techniques.
Some of you may have recently watched a stop-motion animation video called My Best Friend on YouTube made by young Lao animator Souliya Phoumivong, explaining why a balanced diet is essential for your health.
This animated video was one of 11 short films recently created during the 'Making Messages video workshop sponsored by the US Embassy and the Luang Prabang Film Festival.
Souliya is a fine arts teacher at the National Fine Arts School and he also works as a freelance artist for some galleries and NGO's in Vientiane.
It's been more than a year since I became interested in this form of art when I took part in a workshop in Japan. I've produced my first claymation movie called Big World which describes the excitement of travelling in the big world, Mr Souliya said.
He said that after 10 years of being involved in fine arts, he finds clay animation, or claymation, to be what he likes most.
Claymation is a form of stop-motion animation, meaning that each frame of the movie must be taken individually.
Clay-animated films were produced in the United States as early as 1908, when Edison Manufacturing released a film entitled The Sculptor's Welsh Rarebit Dream. In 1916, clay animation became something of a fad, as an East Coast artist named Helena Smith Dayton and a West Coast animator named Willie Hopkins produced clay-animated films on a wide range of subjects.
After taking part in many freelance jobs and several workshops in various countries in Asia, he was exposed to new ideas not only about painting, but also photography and filmmaking.
Apart from My Best Friend, other short films including animated or stop motion videos came out of a workshop in 2011 supported by a German NGO, on the subject of sanitation for people in rural areas.
Another initiative took place at the beginning of this year, a group project on creating new media productions for children in Laos that was organised by UNICEF.
Mr Souliya said now he's planning to set up a team of his students from the art school to work on an original project which he is currently writing. He is searching for funding but is optimistic because animation does not require as much money as traditional filmmaking.
If I am lucky or an NGO accepts my work, my dream is to create a claymation series for television, he said.
Claymation is like a magnet drawing him in, he explained, a feeling he doesn't get with any other type of art. He would love to further study the genre and develop clay animation in Laos.
Fon Dok Mai (Flower Dance) LNY 2014
Fon Dok Mai (Flower Dance). Lao New Year 2014. Amarillo, Texas.
Japanese, Lao youth dance for friendship
vientianetimes.org.la
Japanese students and Lao Bangfai dancers showcased their energetic and imposing moves at the Budo Centre in Vientiane last Friday night.
The impressive performance was created by five Japanese students from the University of Tokyo, Meiji University, Kyorin University, Jikei University and Toyo University, who were on an eight day exchange programme in Laos.
The students visit Vientiane through the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange of Students and Youths (JENESYS) programme, organised and sponsored by the Japanese government in the Asia and Pacific region to build solidarity among Asian youths.
The theme of the programme at the Budo Centre was pop culture and in particular, hip hop dance, and took place with the support of the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism and the Lao Bangfai Association.
During the programme, the five students visited the Lao Bangfai dance studio to learn about and practice Lao contemporary and hip hop dance styles from the experienced dancers of Lao Bangfai to create a Lao-Japanese collaborated dance piece to be shown at the centre.
It's expected that students from both countries will deepen their understanding of each other's people and culture through this exchange programme and their dance performance.
Apart from visiting the dance studio, the Japanese students also visited the National School of Fine Arts and the National School of Music and Dance to discover traditional Lao music and dance. Later they went to the Progress School and Children's Education and Development Centre to dance for the children there.
The JENESYS programme began with the second East Asia Summit (EAS) held in 2007, when the Prime Minister of Japan, Mr Shinzo Abe, announced a plan to implement a large scale youth exchange programme. It was to invite 6,000 young people mainly from the EAS member states to Japan every year for 5 years, looking to establish a basis for stalwart solidarity in Asia.
Various kinds of exchange programmes including inviting and dispatching young people have been implemented in cooperation with the countries and organisations concerned.
The main objective of the JENESYS programme is to help lay the foundations of solidarity among Asian countries by promoting a mutual understanding of the future generation of ASEAN and EAS member countries.
Lao NEWS on LNTV: More than 600 pictures are currently on display 10/3/2014
INTRO: More than 600 pictures created by female artists are currently on display at the 7th Annual Women's Photo Exhibition at the National Institute of Fine Arts in Vientiane from March 4-14. Official said, the photos portray the way in which women live on a day-to-day basis, the clothes they wear, and the traditions of various ethnic groups
STORY: The exhibition is one of many events taking place to mark International Women's Day and gives art lovers the chance to see the progress made by women in this field.
According to the team from the Arts Exhibition Room at the National Institute of Fine Arts, this exhibition is different from previous events as it contains a much wider range of styles. The pieces on display reflect the traditions and lifestyles of Lao women in times past and present.
All of the more than 600 pieces featured have been created by women. They inc lude photos, pieces created from acrylic, and sculptures -- all of which represent the creative talents of the artists.
With the exhibition running until March 14, everyone is urged to visit this splendid and intriguing display of creativity. Each of the works is on sale so that art lovers can pick up a unique piece at a reasonable price.
Previous events at the Institute have also included work by young men, mostly in the form of colour paintings, which they put up for sale to help support their education.
To mark their special day, the current exhibition features solely the work of female students at the Institute, with many impressive productions on show.
Lao NEWS on LNTV: Annual workshop exchanges lessons between Lao and Thai artists.10/1/2017
VO Annual workshop exchanges lessons between Lao and Thai artists
INTRO: About 90 Lao and Thai artists organised an annual contemporary arts workshop titled “Hak Pheng Cheng Chai” last week to exchange lessons and techniques in painting and pottery.
STORY: On January 6, the exhibition was officially opened to display their works. It was attended by teachers and students, and a large number of art lovers and members of the public.
The workshop was organised under cooperation between the Department of Fine Arts, Lao Fine Arts Association, National Institute of Fine Arts; a group of Isaan artists from Thailand, and students and lecturers from the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts of Khon Kaen University.
More than 100 beautiful pieces featuring nature, culture and lifestyle; pottery, and fine arts created by Lao and Thai artists are now on display in the exhibition room of the National Institute of Fine Arts.
Interview: Dr Maysing Chanboutdy, President of the National Institute of Fine Arts and organising committee member...Lao..
President of the National Institute of Fine Arts and organising committee member, Dr Maysing Chanboutdy said that he was very happy to organise the workshop because it was an important time for artists of the two nations to exchange lessons and knowledge on artwork together.
This was the 13th time that such a workshop has been held. The event aimed to give a chance for both the Lao and Thai artists to exchange their knowledge, skills, and lessons in the arts as well as strengthen the cooperation in arts and culture between the two institutes.
The exhibition will remain open until January 21 and art lovers and interested people are invited to visit the event and support the artists.
Death.mov
Stop motion realized during the PAPAC's workshop with the National Institute of Fine Arts in Vientiane, Laos PDR in November 2011 by Phanthamith Phimphaphong.
Swing!.mov
Video performance realized during the PAPAC's workshop with the National Institute of Fine Arts in Vientiane, Lao PDR in November 2011 by Kham phone Sikounnavong,
Changing Lives Dr Francette Dusan in Laos
Outbreaks of avian flu and anthrax in Asia have increased the scrutiny on disease transmission between animals and humans and Australian vet Dr Francette Dusan is at the forefront of the battle. Working with the World Health Organisation in Laos, her field of expertise is zoonosis, the transfer of disease between animals and humans. Hygiene standards are paramount for avoiding outbreaks and Dr Dusan's work takes her to a wide range of sites ranging from large piggeries to backyard poultry slaughter points advising producers on necessary standards.
World-class ballerina shares lessons with Lao dancers
The British-American ballerina Maria Sascha Khan on Friday led a class of young dancers and gave advice on techniques to students at the National School of Arts in Vientiane.
She also gave a performance of the Lilac Fairy Variation from the popular Sleeping Beauty ballet.
Ms Khan gave a public class to the ballet students, watched by an audience including representatives of the British Embassy, the administration board of the National School of Arts, teachers, students, and members of the public.
She said she was delighted to be in Laos and to lead theballet class.
Ms Khan is currently an International Guest Artist in London and this is her first visit to Laos, supported by the British Embassy, Panyathip International School and the Crowne Plaza Vientiane.
During her short time in Laos she led classes and gave inspirational talks and interviews.
Her five-day programme in Vientiane included a day at Panyathip International School, where she talked about her career and held a dance class with elementary school children.
On Saturday she gave an inspiring talk at the Crowne Plaza during a workshop with young Lao dancers and artists, facilitated by Global Shapers Vientiane.
Her visit comes at a time when ballet is becoming increasingly popular in Laos. Local schools are starting to offer more and more classes and Panyathip International School will start the first classes accredited by the Royal Academy of Dance from the UK this summer.
Ms Khan comes from a family of artists. She and her three siblings are all classical ballet dancers.
She trained under Luidmila Morkovina at the Kirov Academy of Ballet, Washington DC, and subsequently at the Academie de Danse Classique de Princesse Grace, Monte Carlo. She graduated with honours under the personal mentorship of the Academie’s Russian directress Marika Besobrasova.
Ms Khan attended the Royal Ballet School, San Francisco Ballet and American Ballet Theatre summer programmes on scholarships.
In her graduate year, she was invited to join the Staatsballet Berlin, ranked one of the top five companies in the world.
After performing a wide repertoire of both classical and contemporary works, she continued her career with the Bayerisches Staatsballett in Munich, the English National Ballet in London, and as a Principal Dancer with the Ekaterinburg State Ballet, Russia.
Currently based in London as an international guest artist she is developing a new full length ballet titled “Warrior of Light” featuring herself and her three siblings.
An excerpt of the ballet recently premiered as a highlight of the prestigious Russian Icons Gala at the London Coliseum, and will premiere in full in 2019. The ballet is based on the life of Russian painter Nicolas Roerich, who was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Ms Khan strongly believes in the power of the arts to unite people and cultures. Her passion is to give back and inspire others through the beauty of the arts.
Unity is Strength.mov
Stop Motion realized during the PAPAC's workshop with the National Institute of Fine Arts in Vientiane, Laos PDR, in November 2011 by Ackasone Doungchanhom.