“The Vietnamese saying “Roll your tongue seven times before speaking” is the thematic origin of Mien Meo Mieng/ Contemporary Art from Vietnam. The exhibition presents 14 artists active in the homeland. Most of the works were created during the past two years and some especially for this exhibition. They concern such topics as the aftermath of war, freedom of expression, economic contions, migration and the general vulnerability of the Vietnamese society. Mien Meo Mieng translates as “The land of distortion”. Caution, consideration and contortion are required in order to express one’s opinion in Vietnamese society, a reality with origins in the country’s history. A serious and critical message is often hidden behind a seemingly innocent and sometimes humorous statement.”— From Catalogue Preface, Katarina Pierre, Director of Bildmuseet.

“The birds begin their high-pitched squeakings …

as the nib is still stuck inside the throat.

As the brain is about to burst with diseases …

…thanks to the ideological cyst in the frontal lobe.

When the hands always clench into fists,

is when all the muscles and veins have lost their natural harmony.

It is when the back has forgotten its purpose to support the head,

and the neck does its utmost to make devious sidelong glances.

And when the flowers blooms to their peaks,

the idea of a shape-changing plastic is irresistible.”

– Curator statement