Lê Thuý is a skilled practitioner of the traditional Vietnamese arts of silk and lacquer painting, highlighting their beauty and their cultural and religious value, while subtly commenting on contemporary issues. Echo 2024 evokes a ruined house and includes a group of nine doors from a traditional house in the historical town of Hội An. Painted in red and gold, their delicate imagery references her knowledge of botany, history, memento mori traditions and pan-Asian religions. Her symbolic trees and plants have specific meanings, from those used in medicine or poisons to those embodying prosperity and beauty (the peony) or high moral character (bamboo). Translucent suspended silk paintings complete the installation, depicting interiors with family shrines, memorabilia and architectural embellishments, capturing the moral values and aspirations of former occupants. Echo alludes to the loss of cultural heritage in a society motivated only by economic prosperity and self-interest.

This project is supported by the Commonwealth through the Office for the Arts, part of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.