As part of the Enjoy Danang Festival 2025, the immersive installation art space “The Fishing Village Story” offers an abstract yet evocative portrayal of coastal life, community spirit, and the profound bond between the people of Da Nang and the sea. Infused with local cultural essence, this intimate and poetic space is not just significant, but a living tribute to the enduring traditions of Vietnam’s fishing communities.
Inspired by the daily life, labor, and spiritual beliefs of Da Nang’s coastal residents, the exhibition unfolds through four thematic zones:
“WAVE OF FISH” – THE PULSE OF THE OCEAN
Set against the vast ocean backdrop where the sky meets sea, “Wave of Fish” emerges as a visual symphony celebrating the journey of fishermen venturing offshore. This installation captures familiar images: coracles riding fierce waves and paddles painted in vibrant colors, symbolizing resilience, skill, and determination. The waves embody life’s challenges, while the boats triumph over them.
More than 1,600 handcrafted fish made of wood or acrylic shimmer in oceanic hues, forming a flowing stream of hope and dreams reborn from the sea. Sculpted steel waves lit with soft blue LED lights glide through sweeping arcs and glow around the coracle rims, creating a captivating nightscape that will leave you in awe.
Standing 4.5m tall, 5.5m wide, and 5.7m long, this installation serves as a powerful symbol of the indomitable spirit of those who make their living from the sea. Each wave is a test, and each boat that crosses it is a silent victory.
“SETTING SAIL” – ASPIRATION AND COURAGE
“Setting Sail” embodies the remarkable journey of fishermen who courageously navigate the open sea in pursuit of abundant fishing grounds – a powerful metaphor for bravery, perseverance, and shared ambition. Through the depiction of wind-filled sails and boats setting off at dawn and returning at dusk, the installation beautifully captures these meaningful moments with sculptural forms and light effects, delivering an uplifting message of hope and the unwavering spirit to forge ahead.
“THE SALTY ESSENCE” – A TRIBUTE TO SEA AND PEOPLE
Beyond the waves and oars lies the tranquil essence of the fishing village – the soul of coastal life. “The Salty Essence” embodies this in a concentric circular layout, symbolizing harmony and sustainable coexistence between humanity and the ocean.
Spanning 15 meters in diameter, the open central space beckons community interaction and storytelling. Arranged around it are 100 wooden paddles, 50 ceramic jars, 30 woven baskets, and 50 bamboo poles adorned with flags, creating a wave-like effect that evokes the vibrant scenes of a traditional fish-drying yard or fish sauce courtyard.
Soft amber lights from 20 fish-trap lanterns and three 100W LED floodlights cast a warm glow reminiscent of sunset over jars of fermenting anchovies. This is a space where daily labor becomes music, and the memories of the fishing village linger like the gentle ocean mist.
“THE MURAL GARDEN” – WHERE MEMORIES COME ALIVE
This outdoor art space beautifully intertwines painting and installation, celebrating the vibrant everyday life of coastal communities. “The Mural Garden” invites viewers on a visual journey, where colors and brushstrokes weave intimate stories.
Painted on water-resistant wooden panels (2.1m tall, 1.2cm thick, 1.2m–2.4m wide), the artworks capture quiet moments—fish drying under sunlight, fishermen casting nets, children smiling beside baskets of dried fish. Simple yet profoundly human, these images pulse with the essence of the village.
The 35m-long, 10m-wide space is illuminated softly by thirty 20W LED floodlights, creating a twilight ambiance that brings life to each artwork. The light doesn’t merely reveal the paintings—it awakens them, transforming each scene into a whisper of memory, a heartbeat of the sea.
Here, color transcends mere visibility—it resonates deeply—a sanctuary where the sea softly speaks through every stroke of the heart, inviting you to immerse yourself in the emotional journey of the coastal community.
FOLK MUSIC BY THE SEA – ECHOES OF FAITH AND FESTIVITY
To elevate this immersive experience, visitors can revel in the enchanting sounds of live “Ba Trao” folk singing—a cherished art form linked to the worship of the Whale God and the blessings of fishermen at sea—alongside captivating ethnic instrumental performances by the beach, creating a mesmerizing blend of coastal culture and artistic spirit. These inspiring activities are scheduled to take place daily from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM throughout the festival.
“The Fishing Village Story” – Embrace the ocean’s breath, listen to the echoes of memory, and capture soulful artistry at the Enjoy Danang Festival 2025.
Event Details:
- Dates: June 19–23, 2025
- Installation Art Exhibition: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Live Performances (Ba Trao Singing & Folk Music): 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Venue: Man Thai Beach, Da Nang City
DANANG CENTER FOR TOURISM PROMOTION
