Saigon weekend: What to do and where to go

Art Exhibition “Buscando México” by Diego Rodarte

The exhibition, organized by the Embassy of Mexico in Vietnam and the HCMC Museum of Fine Arts, will feature 32 small-scale oil paintings of idyllic landscapes such as beaches, mountains, and archeological remains in each of Mexico’s 32 states or regions. The exhibition also includes three large-scale banners and a variety of objects.

The poster for the “Buscando México” art exhibition. Photo courtesy of Museum of Fine Arts of Ho Chi Minh City

“This is the most important exhibition that Mexico has presented in Vietnam in the history of our diplomatic relations,” says Mexico’s Ambassador in Vietnam, Alejandro Negrn. It is also considered an invitation for the Vietnamese public to learn more about Mexico.

The exhibition ‘Buscando México’ will be on display from March 7 to 16, at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts, at 97A Pho Duc Chinh Street, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1.

Exhibition ‘Resonate State’ by Yohei Yama

‘Resonate State’ is a solo exhibition by Japanese artist Yohei Yama. The artist says that the collection expresses his thoughts on the process of growth and the vitality of life. His works consistently invite people to explore and question human surroundings, particularly their relationship with nature. Yohei Yama’s works are influenced by his daily life and the development of his own son.

Yohei Yama, who currently resides in Ho Chi Minh City, was born in 1977 in Saitama, Japan. Yama’s artwork has shown at numerous exhibitions around the globe as well as in the Asian Contemporary art section of Sotheby’s and Christie’s Hong Kong.

The poster for the “Resonate State” exhibition. Photo courtesy of Vin Gallery

The exhibition “Resonate State” will be on display from March 11 to April 28 at Vin Gallery, at 35/8 Nguyen Van Dau Street, Ward 6, Binh Thanh District, HCMC.

French movie “Les 400 Coups” (The 400 blows)

French cinema rendez-vous is a new weekly event introducing the richness and diversity of French cinema by screening a variety of very different films. Screening are held by French Cinema Rendez-vous and Institut français de HCMV.

“Les 400 coups” is a French classic often considered one of the best films in the history of French cinema. The movie is about Antoine Doinel, a misunderstood adolescent from Paris who has problems with his parents and instructors because of his rebellious conduct. The movie won multiple honors and nominations, including the Palme d’Or nomination in 1959, and an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay in 1960.

A poster of the movie “Les 400 Coups”. Photo courtesy of Institut français de HCMV

“Les 400 coups” will be shown at DCiné Cinema, 6 Mac Dinh Chi Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, on March 11 at 7 p.m. The price of a ticket is VND60,000 ($2.53) per person.

Public art installation “FantaSee” by Sun Life Vietnam

“FantaSee” is a public art installation expected to open up a surreal world, where dreamy moving images and ambient soundscapes blend seamlessly to create an immersive experience. “FantaSee” encourages visitors to explore their inner selves, find peace, and discover a new sense of connection with the world around them.

The project was created by the Saigon-based artists Jo and Chaulichi, who make up the artistic duo known as Chom Hom. Their mission is to offer the community as many diverse artistic experimental experiences as they can, including immersive audio-visual installations, augmented reality, virtual reality, code art, 3D animation, and live performances, while also supporting the work of other artists.

This particular public art project has received support from De La Sól by Sun Life Vietnam.

A poster of “FantaSee” art installation. Photo courtesy of De La Sól by Sun Life Vietnam

The public art installation “FantaSee” is open March 10 – 15, at Sun Life Flagship, 244 Pasteur Street, District 3, HCMC.

Best of the best Reverie brunch

A new Sunday brunch event called “Best of the finest Reverie brunch” is Reverie Saigon’s latest specialty gastronomic experience. The brunch menu is available every Sunday, starting March 5, from noon to 3 p.m. in the Café Cardinal main dining area.

The Sunday brunch will feature a variety of cuisines from the hotel’s restaurants, including Café Cardinal, Da Vittorio Saigon, The Long @ Times Square, and The Royal Pavilion. Guests will have the opportunity to sample a wide range of offerings, from gourmet Italian dishes to French specialties.

A pate at a Sunday brunch menu of The Revenie Saigon. Photo courtesy of The Reverie Saigon

Price starts at VND 1,788,000 ($75.51) including food, soft drinks, juices, tea and coffee. Children aged 6 to 11 will receive a 50% discount, while those under 6 will not be charged.