Drawing inspiration from Dostoevsky’s novel “The idiot”, the exhibition features existing and newly commissioned works by three generations of contemporary artists from Southeast Asia, in which Vietnamese art is represented Vu Dan Tan (1946–2009), Dinh Q. Le (1968–2024), and Bui Cong Khanh (b. 1972). Together with artists from the Philippines, Myanmar, Indonesia and Cambodia, their works offer not only reflection and respite from the endless churning of the world, but also a radiant belief and hope that beauty will transcend all and uplift humanity.

In conjunction with the exhibition, Dr Iola Lenzi also curated 10 Chancery Lane Gallery’s contribution to the Kabinett sector at Art Basel Hong Kong 2025, featuring Vu Dan Tan’s seminal artworks “Money series (Hong Kong dollars)” (1997) and “Fashion” (2000–2006), on view from 28 to 30 March 2025.

Words & Translation: Ally Lê