artLIVE – After a successful first edition in 2024 that was warmly welcomed by Vietnam’s design and art community, ‘3 Weeks of Design’ officially returns in July 2025 with the theme “The Culture of Objects.”
Organized annually by Gallery Medium, the event aims to create a dedicated, open, and dialogue-rich design space. It is part of the gallery’s ongoing effort to shape a distinct identity for Vietnamese design—much like what Milan or New York Design Weeks represent for their regions.
This year’s theme opens up a fresh perspective on the role of objects in contemporary life: not merely tangible things, but also vessels of storytelling, emotional triggers, and reflections of everyday moments.
“The Hook” – A connection from the ordinary
Continuing this spirit of creativity, the event introduces its first-ever design competition, titled “The Hook” – a small, familiar yet often overlooked object. Despite its simplicity and silence, the hook serves an essential purpose: it holds things together, connects, and opens a door to discovering meaning in the smallest details of daily life.
The competition attracted over 200 submissions from across Vietnam and abroad. Of these, 43 outstanding ideas were shortlisted for the final round, including works from professional designers, independent artists, creative practitioners, and individuals pursuing raw, intuitive design approaches (design brut).
By experimenting with various materials such as wood, metal, ceramic, fabric, and recycled plastic, contestants were able to reveal the emotional depth and storytelling potential hidden within a seemingly simple object.
Finalist works will be showcased for the full three weeks at Gallery Medium. Five award categories will be presented: Best Design, Most Impressive Concept, Outstanding Craftsmanship, Excellence in Sustainable Practice, and the Audience Choice Award with results announced at the closing night on July 26, 2025.
3 Weeks of Design – The Vietnamese identity in objects
Alongside the competition, ‘3 Weeks of Design’ 2025 will feature over 43 emerging designers and 15 contemporary ceramic artists currently working in Vietnam, as well as local furniture brands and international guests selected by Gallery Medium.
The showcased works span industrial design, furniture, contemporary crafts, and experimental forms and materials. Together, they form a visual symphony reflecting the culture of objects in today’s social context.
A highlight of this year’s event is the Ceramics Exhibition, presenting signature pieces from artists working with clay. Each artist brings a unique style and creative mindset, demonstrating how a traditional material can express rich meaning and conceptual depth in a contemporary art space.
In addition, the Furniture Exhibition fosters a unique dialogue between Vietnamese and international design. Local brands such as Laita, Oho Studios, Exutoire, and NOM Furniture will share the stage with iconic global names like Frank Lloyd Wright, Gio Ponti, and Kazuhiro Takahama.
‘3 Weeks of Design’ is not just an exhibition, it’s a meeting ground. Designers, artists, students, researchers, and art lovers are all invited to exchange ideas, connect, and explore the role of design in contemporary life.
With a spirit of openness, diversity, and connection, ‘3 Weeks of Design’ 2025 aims to spark a creative journey starting from the simplest things. In this space, every object has its own voice reflecting personal and shared stories through art and design.
The ‘3 Weeks of Design’ exhibition will take place at Gallery Medium – 240B Pasteur, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
Photos: Gallery Medium
