From the vibrant fashion hubs of London and Hanoi to the tranquil paths of solo journeys that weave through Iran to Timor-Leste, Tran Thao Mien has been embodying the ethos of "Busy Living Slow" since 2016. Given the pace of the global art industry where time often rushes by in a blur, Mien discovered a harmonious echo between her unhurried lifestyle and the profound insights of Karl Marx on labour, alongside the enduring wisdom found in Sei Shonagon’s The Pillow Book. Have a Good Rest stands as her heartfelt tribute to this deliberate pace, reminding us of the transformative power of rest—both a source of rejuvenation and a quiet act of resistance. Lay your head on my pillow book and rest as you protest.

Expanding upon the theme of “Have a Good Rest,” Calmping investigates the notion of rest within contemporary society. It reflects on the troubling trend of replacing Vietnam's iconic traditional plastic stools with mass-produced camping chairs in outdoor cafes. This shift represents a commodified vision of camping—an illusion of escape that promises a taste of nature while tethered to the urban landscape. Calmping delves into Marx's socialist ideals, championing a meaningful rest that nurtures creativity and personal renewal. It critically examines how consumerism and the pervasive culture of burnout have warped our pursuit of authentic rest. Mien’s work thus beckons viewers to reimagine rest not merely as a form of protest but as a vital opportunity to remain calm and centred amid the relentless pressures of modern life.

Text courtesy of Do Tuong Linh