‘Materialize’ is an ongoing exhibition program, initiated by The Factory in 2017, in response to the great lack of space and opportunity for Vietnamese artists to experiment and display their art in Vietnam. This program seeks artists willing to be challenged to extend their experimentation with concept and media beyond their official training and general assumptions about art, who understand that to exhibit their work demands consideration of their audience and how their art is received and understood by a visiting general public.

This program is open for application to artists born and currently living in Vietnam and over the age of 23. Artists must submit specific information for consideration, which will be assessed by an appointed jury. There will be 2 opportunities for 2 artists to do their own solo show in a particular designated space of The Factory. Each exhibition will be on view for 6-8 weeks. 

In understanding our role to encourage artists to read, write and talk more about their art (in addition to the most crucial labor of making the actual art), in 2020, ‘Materialize’ changed its structure. Over a 6 month period prior to their exhibition opening, the successful ‘Materialize’ artist are expected to visit local exhibitions with Factory staff and talk about what they see; write short texts on artists of influence and how they are of impact on their art; open their studios for invited expertise to give feedback on their art; visit the studios of other particular local established artists and, much more! All of this is considered preparation for the creation of a solo exhibition for each artist at the end of the 6 month period (composed of existing or new artwork). 

(Image: artist Võ Thuỷ Tiên in the making of her personal project)