Vietnamese Women and Feminism

"Changing Identity: Recent Works By Women From Vietnam" by Nora A. Taylor, Barbara Tran, Penny Kiser, 2007. From Asia Art Archive In America

In her book "Painters in Hanoi: An Ethnography of Vietnamese Art," Nora A. Taylor, Ph.D., an associate professor at Arizona State University's School of Global Studies, sheds light on modern Vietnamese women artists who are defying social norms. The first U.S. tour of Vietnamese women's art is represented by this ground-breaking publication, which was released by the University of Hawaii Press in 2003 and features ten artists who challenge conventional roles. These artists portray Vietnam's changing landscape through a variety of media, offering complex viewpoints on societal shifts and women's status.

"Hidden Dragon" by Nguyen Thi Chau Giang, 2018. From Vin Gallery Exhibition

Prominent contemporary Vietnamese artist Nguyen Thi Chau Giang uses complex symbolism and emotional nuance to examine feminism. Giang explores the tension between one's happiness, societal expectations, and female identity in her art, with a particular emphasis on the internal conflicts that modern-day women face. Giang powerfully portrays Vietnamese women as "dragon-women," symbolizing both strength and inner turmoil, by utilizing the blue and red Asian dragon motif. By taking back the dragon symbol, which is typically connected to power but is frequently portrayed unfavorably in Western culture, Giang encourages women to find their inner strength and overcome obstacles to improve their families. Her work is a moving representation of the resiliency and female empowerment found in Vietnamese feminism.

"A Transformative Disguise" by Le Hoang Bich Phuong, 2012. From Sàn Art gallery

Le Hoang Bich Phuong's artwork draws attention with its alluring fusion of Vietnamese silk painting and popular myths. Phuong explores feminism and masculinity, promoting unrestricted exploration of interests and identities by women in every generation. These ideas resound throughout her exhibition, igniting discussions about the pursuit of self-discovery and cultural conventions. Phuong's artwork questions norms and encourages viewers to think about how gender roles are flexible and how important it is to always strive for authenticity.

"As Seen By Both Sides" by Trịnh Kim Vinh, 1964. From Witness Collection

Trinh Kim Vinh, who was born in 1932, is well known for the unique ways in which she has portrayed women in her artwork, demonstrating a deep comprehension of resilience and femininity. During the turbulent early stages of the American war, she set out on a difficult five-month journey down the Truong Son, capturing the essence of adversity and perseverance in her artwork. Her painting "As Seen By Both Sides" provided poignant insights into the human experience amidst conflict, earning Vinh additional acclaim in 1991. Vinh left her studies at the Hanoi College of Fine Arts to pursue her artistic career in East Germany. She created arresting lithographs and watercolor portraits of front-line soldiers there, illuminating the subtleties and complexities of wartime existence.

"When the Tenth Month Comes" directed by Đặng Nhật Minh, 1984. From Cinescope

Renowned for her dance and singing skills, Lê Vân rose to fame in 1984 when she played Duyên in the critically acclaimed film "When the Tenth Month Comes" (Bao giờ cho đến tháng mười). Her moving portrayal of Duyên's anguish struck a deep chord with viewers, signifying the ongoing sorrow brought on by Vietnam's protracted years of conflict. As Vietnam moved from a system of subsidies to a market economy, Lê Vân, a dancer turned film actress, had to deal with obstacles and career upheavals. Lê Vân, despite her non-traditional path, states that she aspires to be an "ordinary" woman, defying social norms while also acknowledging their continued influence in modern-day Vietnam. Her defiance of social norms highlights the complexities surrounding women's roles, highlighting the difference between virginity and chastity and promoting a more nuanced understanding of female agency and identity in Vietnamese society.

"Nguyen Thi Noi in Barracks at Camp Murray, Washington, June 6, 1975" by Phil H. Webber. From Museum of History & Industry Collection

Nguyen Thi Noi, shown here on June 6, 1975, in her barracks at Camp Murray, is a symbol of the fortitude and tenacity of Vietnamese women amidst the chaos of the post-war period. Noi's journey to Camp Murray, which she took with her family after South Vietnam fell, is a reflection of the terrifying experiences that many refugees went through. Noi and her family persevere in the face of uncertainty, hoping for opportunities in their new home and sponsorship. Her presence in the barracks is a symbol of Vietnamese women's bravery and tenacity in starting over in the face of hardship.

"Theresa Vu Preparing Bowls of Pho at Pho Bac Restaurant, Seattle, January 14, 1993" by Gilbert W. Arias. From Museum of History & Industry Collection

Theresa Vu, preparing pho at Pho Bac in 1993 Seattle, epitomizes Vietnamese women's resilience and entrepreneurship. In Little Saigon, her culinary skill represents the community's cultural vibrancy. Vu's role at Pho Bac, a pioneering Vietnamese-owned restaurant, showcases women's integral part in preserving cultural identity and culinary traditions.

"Mrs. Nhon Ke Nguyen and Sons at Sea-Tac Airport, May 20, 1975" by Tom Brownell. From Museum of History & Industry Collection

During the Vietnam War's aftermath, on May 20, 1975, Mrs. Nhon Ke Nguyen and her sons arrived at Sea-Tac airport. They were a part of the first wave of Vietnamese refugees that Governor Dan Evans' resettlement program welcomed to Washington state. Their entry signaled a turning point in Washington's humanitarian reaction to the refugee crisis. The photo shows Mrs. Nguyen and her family's bravery and tenacity as they start a new chapter in their lives, representing the resilience of Vietnamese women in the face of hardship.