528HZ
This set of 3 unique prints are woodcut reduction prints from 1 block. The image was inspired by a video I watch about the healing properties of certain tones. In modern life we are bombarded with excess amounts of pointless information whcih distracts us from focusing on what is important. The origins of the designs in geometric floor tiles also lend themselves to this theme as they work together in their sets to create a larger pattern or end result.
Limited edition of 3 unique prints.
Digital options available.
Dong Son Drum Triptych
The ancient Dong Son drums of Vietnam depicted scenes of daily life and war, animals, birds and boats. They were used as musical instruments as well as cult items and were cast out of bronze between 600 BC – 300 AD. They symbolized wealth and prosperity and were treasured items in local villages. Using landmarks, everyday patterns, other influences from living here and travelling up and down the country I have designed my own personal drum faces to represent each region of Vietnam.
These designs are available as limited edition, archival prints.
40 x 40cm - limited edition of 75 - 125 USD
80 x 80cm - limited edition of 25 - 215 USD
North Vietnam
This design was the original inspiration behind the entire triptych project. The idea was born in October 2020 after a motorbike trip around the Ha Giang loop in Northern Vietnam. I had previously illustrated a Dong Son Drum design way back in 2013 and thought it was time for an update. Instead of one drum face I would design three to look into and discover the history and culture behind each region of Vietnam.
In the outside ring, there’s a chronological narrative that follows the timeline of the region. Visual snapshots of famous locations, tales and folklore are illustrated to grab the viewer’s attention and are recognized by those with a historical knowledge of Vietnam.
As you move towards the inner circle, past painted tile patterns into the next layer you can see famous landscapes of Northern Vietnam. Sapa, Halong Bay, Ma Pi Leng, Ha Giang and Lũng Cú flag tower provide a perfect green backdrop. The iconic forms of transport move anti-clockwise round the circular design to provide a feeling of movement and break up the circle before heading inwards past figures and scenes to iconic landmarks and places I visited whilst travelling across the region.
Central Vietnam
The second in the three-part project and the largest land mass to discover. The first thing I learnt about Vietnam whilst drawing this project is how much of the country belongs to central Vietnam. From the north central coast to the central highlands and the south central coast there was a huge amount of history to learn about. I decided to focus down and to look at the Cham culture in particular and the different artistic styles to influence the region.
In the outside ring, in a similar fashion to the North Vietnam drum there’s a chronological, visual narrative to follow. Relief carvings that represent the early My Son era that lead into images of domestic development and Dong Duong style, caricature sculptures. In the bottom half of the outer ring the styles develop further into the later My Son era, with Thap Mam style elephants and makaras and finally more recent images of modern day.
Towards the inner circles notable landscapes and sites make up the geometric shapes with a different selection of iconic transport to match up with theo other designs.
South Vietnam
The third in the triptych series this drum design is inspired by south Vietnam, mainly around the Mekong Delta, HCMC and surrounding cities. As the first two designs the outer ring is a chronological narrative that visually explores the myths and legends around the formation of this part of the world. If you look closely into the jungle you will make out images of the tale of Huntian’s bow. As you move around more events transpire to form what is now known as modern day HCMC.
As you move inwards popular destinations such as Tay Ninh, Mui Ne, floating markets of the Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc beaches and La gi form a circle around past and current forms of transport associated particularly with south Vietnam. Moving further inward, a mixture of religious influences and icon landmarks make up an ever evolving modern day metropolis.
