Camilio

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Exploring the lively mix of colors and people in Hoi An's Old Town, where streets are bustling and full of energy, artist Camilio van Lenteren sought a moment of calm amid the chaos. Amidst all the noise and activity, he wanted to find a simple space to start fresh.

And so came "Funky Suit / White Suit" (2024), a special art performance made just for Old Town, Hoi An, Vietnam. Looking back on his creative journey, van Lenteren says, "When everything around me gets too busy and colorful, I like to go back to the basics of creating."

The text he wrote specific to start this site specific art performance was:“When places become so colorful, so popular, so full of people and so visually and literally loud, I sometimes prefer to go back to a blank canvas and start over again.”

This performance was more than just making art; it was about connecting with the heart of Hoi An. Engaging with locals and tourists alike — from the friendly faces of shopkeepers and cooks to the curious eyes of visitors from different parts of the world — van Lenteren crafted a story that brought everyone together.

At the center of the performance was the two-layered suit, representing change and transformation. Made specifically for this occasion, the suit captured the spirit of the city. As people passed by, van Lenteren invited them to peel off the outer layer, revealing the calming white underneath. Was the playful "Funky Suit" a reflection of the artist's inner clown, or an attempt to blend into the vibrant colors of Old Town, sometimes looking almost theatrical in its excitement?

Preparing for this endeavor had its challenges, from finding the right tailor (5 tailors said NO!) — eventually recommended by photographer Molly McCarthy — to solving logistical problems. But through perseverance and teamwork, the performance came together, showing the power of art to transform. The right tailor worked together with 4 others to complete the job. The suit and idea looked simple, but it was far from that.

You can see detailed documentation of "Funky Suit / White Suit" on van Lenteren's website and YouTube channel, offering a peaceful moment in the busy streets of Old Town. Looking back on the experience, van Lenteren says, "The journey to create this site-specific art performance in Hoi An was full of challenges and successes."

Using hashtags like #sitespecific, #artperformance, and #tailored, van Lenteren highlights the thought and care put into his work, while #cooldowntheplanet reminds us of his commitment to the environment.

And while celebrating the beauty of art, let's also reflect on the negative impacts of fast fashion, the circus-like nature of the Western art scene, and the detrimental effects of mass tourism on our planet. As an artist, I'm sadly part of this larger problem, but through my work, I hope to inspire awareness and change.

As excitement builds for more photos from the performance, van Lenteren thanks everyone who contributed, from local businesses like Ann Han Exquisite and Tropicale Eatery to the welcoming venue, Me Vui Hoi An. Explore further into the world of art in Hoi An's Old Town on his website, where each layer peeled away reveals a new aspect of the city's character.