A captivating new public art installation titled Resurrection was unveiled at Co Tan Square in Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem District on Tuesday, transforming the remnants of a storm-felled mahogany tree into a profound symbol of life, memory, and renewal.
Conceived and created by artist Tia-Thuy Nguyen, Resurrection is not merely a sculpture, it is a tribute to history, nature, and the resilient spirit of Hanoi. The installation was born from the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi, which uprooted one of the city’s century-old mahogany trees, part of a generation originally imported from Africa during the French colonial era.
Tia-Thuy Nguyen (third from right) and visitors poses for a photo beside the her work on April 22.
The inauguration ceremony drew a large and diverse audience, including local residents, tourists, artists, influencers, and government officials. Among those in attendance were Pham Tuan Long, Chairman of the Hoan Kiem District People's Committee; artist-painter Le Anh Van; urban planning and ecology expert Ngo Anh Dao; and Deputy Director General of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, Ha Van Sieu. Cultural icons such as singers My Linh and Hong Nhung also graced the event.
Chairman of the Hoan Kiem District People's Committee, Pham Tuan Long, speaks at the inauguration ceremony.
“This tree stood through generations. It symbolised a historical chapter of the capital. With Resurrection, we honour its legacy and create a shared space for reflection and creativity,” said Chairman Long during his speech.
Nguyen shared how she was compelled to act after witnessing the fallen tree in the storm’s aftermath. With the support of friends and local authorities, she initiated the transformation of the trunk and roots. The final installation consists of over six tonnes of stainless steel, shaped to follow the tree’s original curves. The trunk is clad in hand-formed steel sheets, mimicking natural bark, while branches twist organically toward the sky. The canopy glimmers with thousands of metallic leaves and radiant quartz “flowers,” catching sunlight in a constantly shifting play of reflections.
Designed to evolve with Hanoi’s changing seasons, the artwork reflects the diversity of life and the complexity of the cosmos, a central theme in Nguyen’s creative philosophy.
Economist Vu Hoang Quyen emphasised the project’s broader value, “Contemporary public art enhances not just cultural life but economic wellbeing. Research shows such projects stimulate tourism, support local businesses, and encourage healthier lifestyles, creating a ripple effect that benefits entire communities.”
Architect Doan Ky Thanh echoed the sentiment, “This marks a turning point for public art in Vietnam. Resurrection is one of the first large-scale works to truly belong to the community. It invites people not just to observe, but to feel, remember, and reconnect.”