Vu Dan Tan (1946–2009), born into a literary family in Hanoi, Vietnam, had exhibited internationally. He was represented in the 8th Sculpture Triennial, Fellbach, Germany (2001); 10th Osaka Triennale (2001), Japan; Documenta X, Kassel, Germany (1997) and the 2nd Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art, Brisbane, Australia (1996). In addition to his artistic practice, Vu Dan Tan, together with his wife Natalia Kraevskaia, co-founded Salon Natasha, the first private and independent gallery in Hanoi that has fostered the growth of experimental and contemporary art in Vietnam. ‘Amazon Series No. 9’ expands Vu Dan Tan’s exploration into the perceptions of shell and skin (exterior) in relation to content (interior). Just as it was in the earlier Fashion series, this Amazon series also employs the female figure and gender to negate issues of control and boundaries and to confront the views of women as objects of desire and contempt. These metal ‘suits’ can also be viewed as the very bodies of the women themselves. These metal ‘suits’, which appear sharp, hard and dangerous yet sensuous, can be viewed as the very bodies of the women themselves. They suggest simultaneously an amour, a protection for the flesh, and a reinforced body or a weapon ready for confrontation.
