Murmurs: A Gathering of Modern and Contemporary Arts from Vietnam, a major group exhibition at Shanghai’s West Bund Art & Design 2025, presents a curated selection from the Vietnam Art Collection (VAC), featuring artists from the diaspora and homeland.

We are pleased to announce, this November, the West Bund Art Center hosted Murmurs: A Gathering of Modern and Contemporary Arts from Vietnam, a significant group exhibition drawn from the Vietnam Art Collection (VAC). Opening on November 12, the exhibition presents a curated journey through modern masters and the latest practices of emerging artists, offering a nuanced look at the vibrant and expanding field of Vietnamese art.

The exhibition title, Murmurs, draws inspiration from the historical Chữ Nôm writing system, a vernacular script of Vietnam. The character “喃” evokes the idea of a soft, continuous sound — like whispering, flowing water, or birdsong. In this context, Murmurs reflects the intimate, personal perspectives and creative impulses of artists with Vietnamese heritage. It suggests an art scene that is dynamic and inclusive, deeply rooted in its own traditions while being tenderly attuned to global dialogues.

Murmurs bridges generations and geographies, featuring works ranging from highlights of VAC’s permanent collection, including revered figures like Vu Cao Dam, Bui Xuan Phai, and Tran Luu Hau, to the pioneering works of a new generation of artists such as Mai Ta, Nghia Dang, Trinh Cam Nhi, Truong Cong Tung, KV Duong, and Tra My Nguyen. The exhibition showcases artists working both within Vietnam and across the global diaspora, from London and Berlin to Paris and Toronto.

Parallel Publication: ARTIFACT Journal Issue No.2

Coinciding with the exhibition is the release of ARTIFACT Journal Issue No.2, which explores the themes of Migration, Fluidity, Resilience. The journal features contributions from a wide array of artists, writers, and scholars, including Lena Bui, Dr. Nicolas Henni-Trịnh Đức, Monique Gross, Yasmine Anlan Huang, Alvin Luong, Bich Ngoc Luu, Adeena Mey, Ngoc Nau, Ném, Huong Ngo, Jacqueline Hoang Nguyen, Nodey Nguyen, Veronika Radulovic, Suboi, and many others, providing a deeper scholarly and critical context for the exhibition.

Exhibition Details:

Title: Murmurs: A Gathering of Modern and Contemporary Arts from Vietnam

Dates: 12–16 Nov 2025

Venue: Pavilion A, West Bund Art Center, Shanghai

Organizer: Vietnam Art Collection (VAC)

The exhibition is curated by the VAC team with curatorial fellow Yang Zi and artist fellow Mai Ta.

Note to Editors

High-resolution images and additional information are available upon request.

A full list of featured artists is included below.

Featured Artists in Murmurs:

Bui Xuan Phai (1920–1988); Nghia Dang (1994– ); KV Duong (1980– ); Mifa (1990– ); Lam Na (1987– ); AP Nguyen (1999– ); Florian Song Nguyen (1988– ); Phuong Nguyen; Tuyen Nguyen (1992– ); Tra My Nguyen (1992– ); Ha Ninh Pham (1991– ); Koa Pham (1993– ); Lien Pham (1997– ); Mai Ta (1997– ); Thai Tuan (2003– ); Tran Luu Hau (1928–2020); Trinh Cam Nhi (1996– ); Truong Cong Tung (1986– ); Vo Huynh Phu (1993– ); Vu Cao Dam (1908–2000).