2022, installation of screenprints on paper and acetate

70 cm x 170 cm

Image courtesy of the artist

‘Phố Cổ’ is a print installation consisting of two large screen prints. This work is a response to my memories of Vietnam as I migrated to Australia. The prints depict a street image from Hanoi, Vietnam; this work also includes old family photos that are screen printed on acetate sheets, suspended above the print of the city scene. The work utilises different screenprinting techniques; the major technique of my work is mono-screen printing, using different stencils to print segments of the image. The installation is created to project my family onto the Hanoi street image to strengthen our connection to the city. The street scene I use for this work is ‘Hàng Cót’ street, where my family lived during the war. The title of the work is in Vietnamese to shows the connection between the unfamiliar language and the unknown street scene; and acknowledge the significance of the place to the family.

Mai Cao's practice involves her memories of Vietnam, where her family is from and continues to live today. Graduated in Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours at UNSW, Mai continues to work on representing Vietnamese culture and traditions through architecture imageries. Mai’s distinctive style of works uses bright shades of primary colours that encapsulate the typical bright yellow architecture of Hanoi. Mainly working with different forms of screen printing techniques, her practice explores places that contain unique features and forms as well as generating feelings and sensations. Her prints have been functioning as the narrative surrounding the colonial history of Hanoi, Vietnam.