A Viet installation artist’s tribute to refugees, now showing at Arizona State University, features the artist running at locations throughout the world with a cumulative length equal to the Earth’s diameter.
Jun Nguyen-Hatsushiba, whose previous works of underwater video installations have been exhibited at Bienniales and museums around the world, is working on the latest project, called “Breathing Is Free: 12,756.3.”
The number in the project title refers to the diameter of the Earth, and that’s part of the project. As described in Art Daily here, “the artist plans to run 12,756.36 kilometers, or, the diameter of the earth, in different international cities at different times.”
Nguyen-Hatsushiba is a Viet born in Japan, raised in the U.S., and currently living and working in Vietnam. Why is he exhibiting at Arizona State University? Because that’s the home institution of Nora Taylor, one of the world’s top authorities on Vietnamese art.
In a Facebook message to the Bolsavik, Professor Taylor, a co-curator of Breathing Is Free: 12,756.3 expresses her thoughts on the installation:
“Jun Nguyen-Hatsushiba’s work encompasses the globe, literally, as he aims to run the diameter of the earth over the course of 10 years. Although he lives in Ho Chi Minh City and is of part-Vietnamese descent, he challenges notions of place and cultural identity, issues that are so central to many Vietnamese artists work. With this exhibition, Nguyen-Hatsushiba shows that a ‘Vietnamese’ artist can be truly global and transcend notions of national heritage and ‘home.’”
In a publication by Museum of Art Lucerne and Manchester Art Gallery, Nguyen-Hatsushiba explains the concept of his installation:
“The running is really about breathing. Drawing breath becomes more difficult as one runs further as one’s entire body begins to wear out….But what counts here is to record my ‘running struggle’ to discuss the refugee topic through distance and location via GPS watch. It’s conceptual and physical; it’s a real struggle, not a performance.”
His installation in ASU Art Museum began January 24, 2009, with the artist’s exhibition run in Phoenix scheduled for Spring 2009.
Previously, Nguyen-Hatsushiba is celebrated for his video of human struggles made more intense by doing it underwater. At right is a photo from his 2001 video installation “Memorial Project Nha Trang, Vietnam: Towards the Complex—For the Courageous, the Curious, and the Cowards.”
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This artist is a valuable asset to the Vietnamese people. Please refrain from calling him a communist sympathizer.
I really don’t get it. Non-Viets take interest in Viet art and visual expression. Viets find ways to pick and slander our own artists who are raised and educated here. I think the commie labeling among Viets is as offensive as racial slurs and should be pursued legally.
Like cancerous cells in a body, there are always destructive people within any group or community. Unfortunately for the Viet communities around the world, their destructive people are quite out of proportion.
We need Viet people in art and other communication fields. We need to diversify our interests not just in engineering or medicine.
Man, I was getting ready to see B. Doan’s work, and that SOB defaced it. I am afraid to have any Viet artist come to town and have their work destroyed in the process. How sad is that?
wow. I wish I can run to support his project too. it is quite a beautiful thought. Love it ! Breathing is Free. Love it !
Lun, go visit vietnam today and there are plenty of pro communist propagandas(arts). Oh, you can breathe free air there too.
Oh oh, JK, the art critic extraordinaire…He will tell us what true art is.
I am lucky to know what true symbolism is for the communists. Do you?
Can’t say but I am protected by the US Constitution and laws. For example, hurt me and that commie will go to jail and collect financially from his organization if he/she is ordered. Fly your commie flag, I will not dine at your establishment or do business with you. Also, I will be sure not to work for or with you, Mr. Commie.
Show your colors and phoney baloney philosophy, I will walk away and spend my time with worthwhile company. I will not say anything, but my action will hurt your commie ways deeper.
End of story.
I found a picture of Jung Kim on a dating website showing off his flexibility:
http://www.emediawire.com/prfiles/2005/11/22/314319/SamUgliestDogLulu.jpg
** The campaign to “Free Tibet” is widely popular in the U.S. and is internationally recognized the movement, has been widely supported by diverse ethnic communities, college students and youth organizations.
** while the Vietnamese anti-communist struggle has dwindled down a fight for past revenge. The movement has been hijacked by a the most radical elements in the community.
** Benign neglect seems to be the preferred treatment for Ngo Ky for most Vietnamese. Most significantly, The Vietnamese anti-communist radicals have alienated the many Hispanic community leaders.
** Not knowing how to build consensus among friends.
Vietnamese community will pay a hefty price for our lack of community leadership and divisiveness.
Shaun, you are protected by your own understanding and intelligence. Keep preaching the real danger of communism ……then you will be just fine.
S. licking Holms, still advertising your infected mate on web site?
Your short tongue/balls need to get tested soon with microscope ….because you have been licking your ugly partner for months now without proper protection.