artLIVE – Street art has gradually become an essential part of urban culture in Vietnam — a boundless source of creativity and freedom for the country’s young generation.
These diverse art forms not only allow young people to express themselves and share social messages, but also add color and character to public spaces. In this article, artLIVE invites you to explore the colorful world of Vietnam’s street art scene.
Vibrant street art genres
From Murals paintings in the railway area, or the dance moves of a group of young dancers in the walking street, all contribute to creating an interesting and colorful Vietnam.
Graffiti, Mural, and Street Art — Messages on Weathered Walls
Public art forms such as Graffiti, Mural, and Street Art are creative expressions that transform public spaces — walls, streets, bridges, or buildings — into canvases of culture and storytelling. Their purpose is to beautify the cityscape, convey social and cultural messages, and spark interaction between artists and the community.
Across Vietnam’s cities, you’ll easily spot vibrant graffiti and massive mural artworks. These bold strokes and striking colors don’t just serve aesthetic purposes — they also reflect stories, emotions, and messages from society.
This December, Ho Chi Minh City will host its first graffiti competition at AEON MALL Tan Phu Celadon, where artists will turn a parking area into a vivid mural space.
👉 Register for AGC here: https://forms.gle/jVpVdqEoXWrBw2bQ9
Find more details on the Saigon Urban Street Fest fanpage.
Street Dance — The Rhythm of the Streets
Street Dance began to appear in Vietnam in the early 2000s, mainly through dance videos of famous international dance groups. Initially, dance groups in Vietnam operated spontaneously, but gradually became more organized thanks to large-scale competitions and events. Competitions such as Vietnam’s Got Talent, So You Think You Can Dance, Street Dance Vietnam… have helped raise the status of Street Dance in the street art community in Vietnam.
Street Dance includes many different styles, from Breaking, Popping, Locking to Hip-Hop and Krumping. Each style has its own mark, expressing the personality and skills of each dancer. Young dancers often combine different styles, creating unique and creative performances.
artLIVE Breaking Championship (ABC) is one of the breakdance tournaments that will take place in December 2024. The competition is where dancers demonstrate their skillful techniques, an opportunity for them to express their personalities through innovative and creative moves on vibrant hip-hop music. Follow the link to register for ABC at the Saigon Urban Street Fest Fanpage.
Street Music — Urban Melodies
Street Music is a vibrant form of public art where artists freely express their passion for music, interacting directly with the audience without the need for a grand stage. Along with Breaking Dance, street music began to develop in Vietnam in the early 2000s, when young artists were inspired by the Street Music movement abroad and brought this form back to perform in public areas.
Walking streets such as Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street (Hanoi) and Nguyen Hue Walking Street (Ho Chi Minh City), Bui Vien (Ho Chi Minh City) have become ideal playgrounds for street artists. Here, people can easily come across live music performances from street bands, solo artists, and even artists playing Guitars and traditional musical instruments.
Skateboarding & BMX — The Spirit of Urban Adventure
Skateboarding and BMX (Bike Motocross) are extreme sports, symbols of lifestyle and street culture. In Vietnam, these two sports are increasingly attracting the attention of young people, especially in big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Events and public areas dedicated to skateboarding and BMX have become familiar destinations for young people who are passionate about challenges, showing off their skills and personal style.
Skateboarding, in addition to requiring high technical skills, also requires creativity and the ability to maintain balance. From basic moves like ollie, kickflip to complex techniques like grind, skaters are always challenging their limits.
BMX is a type of off-road bicycle that’s very popular in many European countries. It originated in the United States in the 1960s and was introduced to Vietnam around six years ago, quickly attracting a large number of young enthusiasts.
BMX is generally divided into two main categories:
- BMX Racing – competitive racing on rough terrains such as hills or dirt tracks.
- BMX Freestyle – focused on performing tricks and stunts.
Among Vietnamese youth, the Freestyle form is especially popular for its creativity and self-expression.
Installation Art — Reimagining Space
Installation Art blends materials, sound, color, and environment to create immersive experiences. Although relatively new in Vietnam, this street art form is gaining recognition, with several Vietnamese sculptors and visual artists exploring its creative potential.
Street art in Vietnam is more than self-expression — it’s a cultural bridge that connects communities and shapes the nation’s modern urban identity. Over time, it has become an integral part of Vietnamese art life, spreading creativity and positive messages.
In Ho Chi Minh City, the Saigon Urban Street Fest (SUSF) by artLIVE celebrates this vibrant culture, offering a creative playground for graffiti artists, skaters, dancers, and musicians — a truly dynamic and inspiring space for Vietnam’s youth.
Sources
mythuatvietnam.com
heritagevietnamairlines.com
vanhoaduongpho.vn
