AN EXHIBITION OF CAO THANH LAN & GREGOR SIEDL (SIEDL/CAO DUO)/ÂM ÂM | DRONE & DRONE
From January 24-30, 2026, the art exhibition “An Exhibition of Cao Thanh Lan & Gregor Siedl (Siedl/Cao duo) / Âm Âm | Drone & Drone” took place at Event Space, 3rd floor of COMPLEX 01. The exhibition was an installation inspired by Vietnamese kite flutes, presented by Heritage Art Space with support from COMPLEX 01, Nghề Nghệ, and the Austrian Embassy in Vietnam.
The work revolves around the concept of “drone” with two opposing meanings: on one hand, “drone” as the ancient, peaceful sound of kite flutes and many world folk music traditions; on the other hand, “drone” as unmanned aircraft, embodying modern technology and warfare. Not many people know that some of the earliest unmanned drones were used by the American army during the Vietnam War, primarily for military observation, electronic warfare, and psychological warfare.
Also flying objects, but kite flutes – originating from Vietnam’s long-standing tradition – symbolize people’s hope for peace and prosperity. “Âm & Âm” invites contemplation on the dual nature of humanity – possessing both the capacity to destroy the world and ourselves, and the ability to create beauty, transcendence, and goodness.
During the set-up process before the exhibition opened, the space settled into quiet intensity with test tones and the artists’ slow, deliberate, highly focused rhythm of work alongside their team. What makes this project distinctive lies not only in the finished work, but also in the way the space gradually takes shape. Within the Event Space at COMPLEX 01, every detail was carefully calibrated so that visitors do not merely encounter the artwork, but enter a state of deep listening – where sound, movement, and space together guide moments of contemplation.
Alongside the exhibition at COMPLEX 01, a special activity took place: a listening ride on a motorbike fitted with kite flutes, moving through the streets of Hanoi on Sunday morning, January 25, 2026. This activity took the artwork beyond traditional exhibition space, transforming Hanoi’s streets into a mobile art space.
