(06-02-2008)

A touching piece: Visitors admire the newly complete mosaic on the dike along the Hong (Red) River. — VNS Photo Doan Tung

HA NOI — Around 100m of ceramic work now lines the edge of the dike along An Duong at the junction of Yen Phu, Thanh Nien and Nghi Tam roads.

The work includes 66sq.m of artwork showing festive, decorated boats and intricate patterns like the ones in Dong Son, which picture rice cultivation in the Hong (Red) River basin.

A group of artists including Nguyen Thu Thuy, Trinh Minh Tien, Bui Viet Doan and Vu Hong Nguyen contributed to the pilot project.

Titled Ceramic Work: A Gift to the Capital Honouring 1,000 Years, the project was the brainchild of reporter-painter Nguyen Thu Thuy in November 2006. It aims to encourage individuals and organisations to decorate 6km of the dike along Hong River with colourful ceramics.

Up until now, the expenses of the pilot have been supported by Thuy herself and the New Ha Noi Arts Company. The project has received aid with administrative procedures, technical assistance and staffing from the sponsors but has not yet received any direct financial support.

The official financial supporter of the project will be announced later this month. — VNS