HUFLITers cultivate the souls of contemporary art

The event welcomed two special guests: Ms. Nguyễn Ngọc Tú Dung and Mr. Nguyễn Phan Anh, both talented artists holding Master’s degrees in Arts from Utrecht University (Netherlands). Ms. Tú Dung is a multidisciplinary art researcher, practitioner, and educator, and a member of the Read-in Collective. Mr. Phan Anh is an interdisciplinary artist based in Ho Chi Minh City, who graduated from the Ho Chi Minh City University of Fine Arts before obtaining his Master’s degree from Utrecht University.

Drawing from their artistic perspectives and rich experience, the two speakers guided HUFLIT students on a fascinating journey through contemporary art, sparking both deep emotional reflection and creative inspiration.

To warm up the atmosphere, students were asked at check-in to draw an object or concept they once deeply desired but no longer find valuable. Though unusual, this prompt encouraged participants to pause and reflect, setting a curious and creative tone for the workshop.

After the students completed their drawings, Ms. Tú Dung projected a collage of all the submissions on screen. The display, full of diverse forms and symbols, intrigued the students. She invited several participants to share the stories behind their drawings. Among the playful or modest explanations like “I’m not good at drawing” or “I had no idea,” there were also touching stories about unfulfilled dreams and aspirations.

Following this segment, Mr. Phan Anh showed a compilation of art films from around the world, offering fresh perspectives and expanding students’ artistic horizons. Participants then engaged in hands-on activities, such as storyboarding, group painting, and presenting their ideas, designed to hone their creativity and teamwork skills.

One notable project came from Group “Địa Chấn”, a team passionate about environmental protection. The name reflects their core message: Trees are the green lungs of the Earth, yet human actions, such as deforestation, pollution, and waste, are reducing forest coverage, causing a “seismic shift” in our atmosphere. The group proposed several solutions to mitigate these issues. After their presentation, Ms. Tú Dung offered thoughtful feedback on their storytelling approach, helping them refine their narrative and strengthen their teamwork abilities.

The workshop buzzed with energy and enthusiasm. Students actively engaged with the guest speakers, asked insightful questions, and fully immersed themselves in the activities. Through each completed piece of work, the student groups conveyed meaningful stories and messages.

More than just an art lesson, the workshop helped students develop their powers of observation, critical thinking, and visual storytelling skills. It nurtured the artistic souls of HUFLIT students and underscored the role of art in connecting people and building creative communities.

Some photos from the workshop: