50 years of change

I have started working on drawings, watercolours and acrylic paintings of Saigon that will go towards a new book and an exhibition of original work some time in early 2014.

This painting....... not yet finished, tells an interesting story of two great symbols of power and optimism.

In the foreground is the Reunification Palace which replaced the former French colonial Governor's General's residence.

The French invaded Vietnam in 1858 and the building of the palace would have stood as a symbol of their command over South Vietnam. It was completed around 1875. Built in the style of a grand French country residence, it was designed by the French architect of Hong Kong's original City Hall. Befitting its gracious style, it was set in formal gardens and open parkland planted with specimen trees. It was a grand symbol of colonial wealth, influence and power.

After an encounter with a bomb in 1962 it was demolished and rebuilt as a new symbol of the emerging state of Vietnam. After the 'American War' it was renamed the 'Reunification Palace' as a  clear message to the world.

In the background is the new Bitexco Tower with its glittering glass and steel reaching into the sky. This building sends a message about Saigon's readiness for modern global commerce. 

the palace is set amid lovely gardens and has a very human scale. The tower is bedded in concrete and tarmac with busy streets, shops, cafes and bars crowded around its precincts. I like the contrast of these two buildings that span 50 years of turmoil, change and growth in southern Vietnam.