R8BORN Brings Green Life to Dong Ho Folk Painting

In the heart of Hanoi, R8born quietly tells a story, transforming fabric scraps into Dong Ho folk paintings while spreading a message of environmental protection.

The R8born workshop creates a space where recycled fashion meets traditional culture.

Aime Linh Vuong grew up in an old collective housing block, where her childhood memories were shaped by mossy courtyards, peeling walls, and less than- ideal living conditions. “From that environment, I always carried a dream that one day, if I could, I would do something to help improve it,” she recalls.

That desire gave birth to R8born, an art project inspired by the spirit of “rebirth,” true to its name. The initiative combines recycled materials with traditional cultural values, grounded in the belief that art is not only meant for admiration, it is also a call to action.

International visitors experience the craft of printing Dong Ho folk paintings.

Project members introduce the origins and process of making Dong Ho painting.

A defining highlight of the project is the workshop “Innovating Heritage,” which reimagines Dong Ho folk paintings in a completely new way, by using fabric scraps in place of ink to create shapes, colors, and textures. 

Familiar images such as “Cau be chan trau” (The Buffalo Boy), “Vinh hoa bai to” (Prosperity and Honor), “Con Rong” (Dragon), and “Con Ga” (Rooster) - icons of Dong Ho art, are engraved using wooden molds handcrafted by the team after many trials at traditional craft villages. Leftover fabric pieces from garment factories are then assembled into the prints, creating artworks that preserve the soul of folk culture while opening limitless space for creativity.

“There were times when our creativity went too far, disrupting the composition of the paintings. Later, we realized we needed to show restraint to preserve the soul of the heritage,” said Aime. 

Recycling brings a fresh perspective to Dong Ho painting.

What makes R8born truly unique is not only its visually striking handmade pieces but also the interactive artistic experience it offers the public. In its workshops, the team goes beyond teaching participants how to create art; they also share the origins of Dong Ho painting, demonstrate woodblock carving techniques, and discuss their ongoing search for sustainable materials.

“We are not heritage experts, but with the knowledge and experience we’ve gained in craft villages, if we can inspire others, that in itself is already a success,” Chi Tran said. 

International participants excitedly take Dong Ho paintings home as souvenirs..

For participants, each piece they create, whether simple or intricate, becomes a cherished memory. Minh Hoan, who joined a workshop, said: “It was my first time making a Dong Ho painting by hand, and it felt as fun as coloring in art class when I was a kid. Afterward, I felt more connected to Vietnamese traditional culture. If R8born hosts another workshop, I will definitely bring my friends and family along.

Story: Ngan Ha Photo: Khanh Long/VNP Translated by Nguyen Tuoi