An exhibit, “Abilight”, which is put on for the first time in Vietnam by founders of the Japanese artistic collaboration Hitotzuki and runs in Hanoi until Feb 16, features large striking murals.

The Japanese couple, Kami and Sasu, worked nine days to complete the mural paintings in the main building of the Japan Foundation Centre for Cultural Exchange, 27 Quang Trung, where the exhibit is running. The exhibit is part of the activities to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Vietnam- Japan diplomatic ties.

One such mural, which depicts a large multi-petal blue flower and several bold curves, is the interaction between the dynamic curves by Kami, the husband and the vibrant symmetric motifs by Sasu, the wife. This breathes new life into the sense of beauty derived from street art.

The exhibit opening also saw the dances by local artists in front of the murals. The dancers donned sparkling costumes with contrasting colors and patterns taken right from the murals.

“Though we hadn’t had any difficulty creating large murals before, we found the wall at the Japan Foundation Centre in Hanoi quite a challenge. It has a rough surface riddled with deep lines, which are original décor details for the wall,” Kami shared.

Founded in 1999, the Hitotzuki collaboration seeks to promote creativity deeply rooted in street culture and the fusion of feminine and masculine things.

The couple explained that “Abilight”, the exhibit title, was coined by themselves from the words “ability” and “light”, which conveys a positive, upbeat message to visitors.

Also on display are other products, ranging from t-shirts, bags, caps to skateboards, watches and mugs, which carry the couple’s hallmark motifs.

Before their Vietnam debut, the couple had showcased their murals in other places including Praha, Berlin Melbourne and Los Angeles. Along with the Hitotzuki exhibitions, each artist also had a solo exhibit.