Sotheby's first exhibition in Vietnam has opened a new perspective on the domestic art market and acknowledged its great potential for development. In particular, the community of domestic art collectors is rising strongly, carrying within them a passion for art and a desire to improve knowledge.

However, before this trend became popular, there were individuals who "swam upstream" to discover and introduce "unique, strange" art forms to us. For example, Risograph prints have existed since the 80s of the last century in Japan and the West, but have only recently been introduced to Vietnam. Or the type of woodblock prints with a nostalgic and handmade feel, which has existed since the 7th century AD in China, but is still new and strange to Vietnam.

iGuide would like to introduce to you 5 special printing and art studios where creativity is wonderfully expressed through each work. Putting creativity first, instead of focusing only on profit, is the direction these brave people have chosen. This encourages creativity and originality - essential elements in today's mass-produced market.

Dried Squid Studio

Kho Muc Studio is an independent printing studio in Saigon, founded by Dang Thanh Long and Simon Phan, both of whom have a background in graphic design. The studio focuses on Risograph printing, a printing method that combines screen printing and photocopying. The special thing about this printing method is that it is environmentally friendly and affordable, while creating a unique effect for each product.

Kho Muc Studio has three unique things:

• Squid eat with eyes.
• Lamp made from used ink tubes.
• RIRI notebook from recycled paper.

In addition, Kho Muc also organizes drawing contests to connect the creative community. One of them is the online drawing contest "Retribution", inspired by a new perspective on "sins" in the 4.0 era that Diem King has not found a solution for. This contest brings creative suggestions on the topic of Crime - Punishment, such as spitting indiscriminately - birds poop on the head, flirting around - 8 meter long tongue, abusing women - next life as a male praying mantis, using plastic bags without mercy - reincarnated as a condom.

Kho Muc Studio also hosts monthly workshops, from Storytelling Zine to Matisse Cut Out Poster. Whether you are a beginner or a professional artist, these workshops will give you the opportunity to unleash your creativity and relieve stress. In addition, you can bring home unique "finished products". This is an ideal place to visit if you love art or want to explore a new art form.

Wedogood

Wedogood is a graphic design and Risograph printing studio run by Jay Vu, Tu Le and Ngoc Vo. They describe themselves as “2 geeks with a passion for graphics” and operate with the motto of “doing good”.

Wedogood not only works to "do well" alone, but also becomes "wedobetter" by collaborating with nearly 30 young independent artists, including Duong Giap, Tat Sy, Orkaboi... to create unique printed products that reflect each artist's own personality. They provide advice and support to artists on Risograph printing, as well as design and sell publications such as zines, posters and postcards themselves. From the beginning, Wedogood has shaped the model as "peer-to-peer": working with artists, to bring back the artist community. The spirit of not being afraid to experiment is always evident in their works - unique color combinations and the use of bright "glaring" colors, but the final result is still very "reasonable" and attracts a special audience.

The Riso Club is part of Wedogood, which organizes Risograph workshops for all levels, from basic (RISO BATTLEFIELD workshop) to advanced (RISO EXPOSURE workshop). When you join Wedogood's workshops, you not only learn knowledge but also always have gifts to bring home!

Saigon Print Shop

Saigon Print Shop is a studio in Ho Chi Minh City founded by Jack Clayton in early 2020. Jack is an artist specializing in woodblock prints and illustrations. He has lived in many different places before deciding to settle in Ho Chi Minh City. Jack's artistic style is inspired by Japanese ukiyo-e printing and German artistic expression.

The main product at Saigon Print Shop is woodblock prints. This is a pioneer and the only place in Vietnam to pursue this art form. Saigon Print Shop is a "harmonious" combination between Jack and his wife. Both are involved in the ideation process, while Jack is the one who executes. Jack's woodblock prints use bold and bright colors, and feature Vietnamese street scenes, including sidewalk eateries, folk games, coffee shops and Vietnamese drinking culture.

Jack also conducts woodblock printmaking workshops for individuals and small groups. He has been invited by Change VN/Wild Aid Vietnam to conduct workshops to raise awareness about wildlife protection.

Liulo Arts & Crafts

Liulo Arts & Crafts is a graphic studio founded and run by graphic artist Nguyen Thanh Vinh. Here, Liulo is very enthusiastic about supporting young artists to bring their works closer to the Vietnamese public. The studio also acts as a place to connect and sell handicraft products from local artists and businesses.

Liulo Arts & Crafts offers a range of unique products such as prints, illustrations, earrings, ceramics, woven bags, and silk scarves. Liulo Arts & Crafts describes the works here as: "Each work is special because it carries the sincere and innocent spirit of the artist." The products at Liulo Arts & Crafts possess a sharp color, feminine but not lacking in "eye-catching", such as the "Hang Lon" silk scarf - a work that honors the "wonder" of women during menstruation, turning the considered sensitive issues into very normal things.

In addition, Liulo Arts & Crafts also organizes relaxing art workshops, including traditional silk painting, flower painting for Tet, and "current" workshops such as instructions on how to paint masks during the Covid pandemic.

OHQUAO

OHQUAO was founded by Simon Phan, an illustrator, and Hoa Pham, a content creator, a husband and wife team passionate about stationery. At OHQUAO, almost everything is available: from postcards, stickers, notebooks, custom stamps, prints, board games, comics to even shower gel products.

OHQUAO is inspired by traditional materials typical of Vietnam and applies a modern perspective to the products. The special feature of OHQUAO is that it focuses mainly on paper products, aiming to create a personal connection between people and these products, as a way to nurture a close relationship between users and stationery.

With the diversity and uniqueness of the art and cultural products they bring, Kho Muc Studio, Wedogood, Saigon Print Shop, Liulo Arts & Crafts and OHQUAO contribute to the richness and creativity of the art community in Ho Chi Minh City. Thanks to these places, art becomes an important part of daily life and brings joy and inspiration to everyone.

Thank you for choosing iguide.ai to accompany your exciting experience!