The “Nhan Gian” (human world) Water Puppet Exhibition was launched on March 4 at the Viet Art Centre under the Hanoi Fine Arts University by Chu Luong, a well-known puppeteer who is striving to breath new life into the craft.

In order to make 1,000 dolls with different faces, Chu Luong had to travel to hundreds of old villages in the Red River Delta to sketch the faces of hundreds of contemporary farmers. He said he hopes his newly-created artworks will bring a new perspective to a multi-dimensional and secular world.

Water Puppetry (Mua roi nuoc) is a traditionally unique art which has been performed in Vietnam’s Red River Delta for centuries. In ancient times, impromptu shows were often watched in the ponds and rice paddies after harvest time.

The exhibition will last until April 10.