Bình Phong of Hue : Traditional Screens Transforming Styles and Re-Imagining Identity in the Modern Society context of Vietnam

Abstract

Hue's screen during the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945) is a typical product of Hue's traditional architecture. The creative form of the traditional screen on many materials, the ngoại án screen is mainly the construction technique of lime mortar, embossed, porcelain mosaic, the nội án screen shows the technique of carving, inlaid, and mother-of-pearl, sơn thếp. The function of the traditional screen is to cover and decorate, based on the concept of feng shui and spirituality. The content of the screen shows the decorative arts according to the projects and motifs related to social ranks. Cultural identity is also evident in the connection of the screen with people in rituals, beliefs, Confucianism, and ancestor worship, which gives Hue people a private and unique lifestyle.

Experiencing turbulent historical periods, the influence of Western modern art has created a challenge for artists to try to use national cultural heritages to create the cultural identity of the Vietnamese people. The modernity of the screen is shown more clearly through the process of Social Renovation. Through Re-Imagining the Identity of the screen, artists and designers create their own identities personal, and creative freedoms that are hallmarks of modern identity. Before Doi Moi, there were groups of artists who developed new art based on the traditional connection through the lacquer screen combined with a modern Western layout, the theme of exploitation close to social at the time social. After Doi Moi, the concept of tradition also changed the advancement of technology, and materials science was the vehicle for painters and designers to form new forms and applications for the screen.

Economic and socio-cultural changes affect the style change of the screen. This process brings up the debate between tradition and modernity. In the process of development and urbanization, traditional screens seem to appear less in housing spaces due to changes in the area, lifestyle, needs, and living space. The modern screen is transformed based on the principles of aesthetic design. It is related to the product design process with the impact on consumption and daily life of Hue people.Modern screens were born to create a new artistic value more suitable for the development trend of society. Especially the ancient capital of Hue is a frontal heritage city that has been transformed in function and form to suit the policy of economic development and tourism. This study shows, through a review of a series of established examples, a successful combination of tradition and modernity as they are reflected in the heritage city context.

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