About a year and a half ago, Vietnam's Ministry of Culture passed a law on hair. Believe it or not, the legislation made it illegal for artists and performers to dye or shave their heads. Regulation 47 bans "hairstyles which inflict horror, painted or dyed hair, shaved heads or long, uncombed hair". As ridiculous as it sounds, the arts and entertainment community at first voiced their reservations about the law, and then, they simply ignored it. As far as I know, the law still exists although I've yet to hear of a case where it's been enforced. This is an example of the gap that sometimes exists between those making decisions about contemporary arts and culture and those actually doing arts and culture.

"The regulation aims at restoring order on the performance stage and makes it in line with the Communist Party's policy of building an advanced culture and art with traditional identities," said Le Nam from the ministry's performance art department.

The Ministry’s regulation states that such public displays are not suitable for Viet Nam’s culture or national identity.

"I agree with the Ministry officials. We need to put a ban on young artists who abuse their career to create strange tastes that are not suitable for Vietnamese culture and lifestyle," said Nguyen Hoang Huong, teacher at Truong Vinh Ky highschool in Tan Binh District.

Yesterday, Sandrine Llouquet gave an artists talk at Gallery Quynh. Her exhibition closing event next week will include the man in the picture above, Justin (filmmaker and co-owner of Sugar Street Cafe). If I recall, the intent of the hair law aimed to preserve traditional culture while resisting the hegemonic influence of western decadence. Justin is doing his part to help that cause. Others have gone on record sharing their opinion on Regulation 47:

"It is an individual's taste and it should not be banned," said Truong Nhuan, deputy director of a theatre in Ho Chi Minh City, quoted by Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper. 

"Creating opportunities to help artists, especially young performers, work in a fair and free environment is our most important mission. We should be careful before applying any regulation on artists’ activities." 

During the screening of Sandrine's video work, my head would sometimes block out part of the projection. It appeared as a tuft of grass growing from the concrete floor of the gallery.

Hair and art. It's a lot to think about. 

{update} This entry was picked up on Harvard University's Global Voices Project. 

Further Reading
+ BBC News. Bad hair day for Vietnamese arts
+ Vietnam News Service. Entertainers tear hair out over new rules on rad styles
+ Mimi Nguyen. Hairpiece