Garden X Transforms Cô̂n Đảo Island into a Living Art Sanctuary
A new outdoor arts and culture space called Garden X is taking shape on Cô̂n Đảo Island. The project, owned by a woman originally from Hà Nội, transforms the remote island’s natural landscape into a site for contemporary art. However, building in such an isolated location brings challenges, from transporting materials to working with limited resources. The initiative was conceived by a woman who moved from Hà Nội to HCM City as a child. Garden X is designed as an open spatial composition, blending sculpture with architecture and the surrounding terrain. The artworks, created by 76-year-old artist Ngô Xuân Lai, respond directly to the island’s environment, forming an organic connection with the land.
Lai, a graduate of HCM City University of Fine Arts (1967–1974), is known for large-scale works like Long Hoa Hội, a 400-metre-long dragon-shaped structure. At Garden X, his sculptures interact with the landscape, offering visitors a rare chance to engage with contemporary art amid nature. The space is intended to be more than an exhibition—it aims to become a cultural meeting point where art, memory, and the natural world intersect. Garden X introduces a new way to experience art on Cô̂n Đảo, merging creative works with the island’s rugged beauty. The project’s success will depend on overcoming logistical hurdles while preserving its vision of art in harmony with nature. Once complete, it will stand as a unique destination for culture and reflection.
