In the realm of emotions, true beginnings do not emerge from perfection, but from the weaving together of fragments from the past. Interdisciplinary Postcard #1 stands as a testament to this belief: an artistic collision where the traditional “reverse painting” technique of Southern Vietnamese glass art finds common ground with the evolving philosophy of contemporary Art Toys.
Here, guided by the DNNLY (Đừng Ngại Nói Lời Yêu) project and the ChiLab Vietnam collective, the character Ossu emerges as a meditative entity. Through the sharp, graphic lens of designer Thiện Tài, Ossu’s persona is shaped by the inner depth of artist/model Tố Tố, set against the fluid evolution of Art Toys crafted by designer Thân Trọng Hiển. This is more than just an art showcase; it is a journey into the self – a space where fragile sensitivities are transmuted into strength, and every emotion is reborn as a unique masterpiece, emerging from distinct and beautiful minds.
I. The Journey of Self & Spirituality
When you think of yourself in years past, what image do you remember most clearly?
“I clearly remember myself during a psychological crisis at eighteen. Amidst that despair, I found a powerful belief that I was not wrong and that everything follows the law of karma. The moment the incense bowl suddenly flared up felt like a signal that made me reflect – it is an image I will never forget.”
Was there a moment you realized the image society expected you to become was no longer a place you wanted to live in?
“I once tried to become the person society always praises: talented, beautiful, and always happy. But one day, I collapsed from exhaustion because I forgot to listen to myself. I have learned to accept my whole self: possessing the strength of a man and the delicacy of a woman. I may not be perfect, but I am real, and that is what makes me freer than ever.”
In the journey of realizing your true self, what do you fear most, and what keeps you moving forward?
“What I fear most? It is the fear that I cannot recognize myself, that I lack the courage and wisdom to love and understand my true being. But I believe that tomorrow is created from today;…”
“…As long as I choose to live positively today, that is already a step forward.”
When you think of “overcoming yourself,” what does that mean in this journey?
“To me, ‘overcoming yourself’ isn’t about climbing higher, but about going deeper inside to meet your true self again. It is a journey of learning to let go of fears, prejudices, and the labels society once placed upon me.”
II. Living in Truth & Invisible Values
Tố Tố |
Ossu |
Does living truthfully with yourself always equate to happiness?
“Living truthfully isn’t always happy; there are moments I feel lonely, out of place, or misunderstood. But that pain is the price of freedom. I work as a model to nurture deeper dreams: to become a bell ringer, to sing mantras, and to live fully within my own spiritual energy.”
Is there something about yourself you once rejected, but now feel grateful for?
“I used to reject my sensitivity and vulnerability, thinking it made me weak. But now, I am grateful for it. That sensitivity helps me listen to my inner voice and feel the beauty in everything around me. I’ve realized that softness is also a form of strength.”
—He evolves from what remains—
Ossu
This character embodies the concept of evolution, transforming into a successor without forsaking its origin. The bone mask represents an evolution from within. Upon each rebirth, he carries his bones on the outside as a permanent part of his form.
On days when you feel like you don’t belong anywhere, what do you do to find inner peace?
“I choose silence and turn inward. I light a stick of incense, listen to the bell, or sing my favorite mantras. When I stop searching for a place to belong, I realize: peace has never left me.”
If you could send a message to your past self, what would you say?
“Learn as much as possible. For only with wisdom can you decipher the problems around you without depending on anyone else. When you understand enough, you will know how to love yourself and this life.”
What is an act that expresses your love?
“Perhaps it is when I look into someone’s eyes without saying a word. The eyes are the windows to the soul, and sometimes, just a look is enough for hearts to understand each other.”
What provides you comfort at the end of the day?
“The greatest comfort is living in mindfulness: to breathe, to listen to myself, and to realize that I am present truly and fully in this life.”
A poem or proverb to replace spoken words of love?
A saddened heart after the time a thin blouse
Pounded for you, for pages of verse
This heart, every minute, every hour
Only pounding for me when I’m hurt
This heart no longer has a use
For you my love, for my work, my friends
As life streams past out there
The white time still pauses inside the hospital
A white thin mattress, worries and death
Day and night, there’s no telling them apart
Facial expressions, pale, all alike
Clothes, a stained green of old
People warn me “don’t think right now
And also don’t be emotional, worried”
Before me, behind, beneath the ground, above my head It’s like a hue of endless white throughout
(Excerpted from Xuân Quỳnh)
Interdisciplinary Postcard #1 may have drawn to a close, but the journey of Tố Tố and Ossu has only just begun. The intersection of Southern Vietnamese reverse glass painting, the philosophy of Art Toys, and profound inner sensitivity has painted a multifaceted portrait of rebirth. It is our hope that, through these images, each of us finds a sense of resonance—the confidence to embrace our own vulnerabilities. For in the end, it is those fragments of the past that have forged a radiant, unique, and empowered version of ourselves.
To bring this inspiring message of rebirth to life, Interdisciplinary Postcard #1 serves as a crystallization of the multidimensional perspectives of three distinct artistic minds. It is a meeting point between the spirit of the performer, the meticulous precision of the creator, and the keen, visual storytelling of the graphic designer. Let us delve into the fragments behind Tố Tố and Ossu: a space where unique personalities converge to create a truly resonant artistic synergy.
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—Creativity Rooted in Raw Emotion— Tố Tố (Artist/Model) If asked to introduce myself, I see myself as an artist who creates based on genuine emotions. For me, the inspiration in the creative process doesn’t come from anything distant; it stems from the very depths of my own feelings. I believe that when emotions are profound and sincere, they naturally pave the way for ideas. There was a time when, experiencing overwhelming happiness, mixed with tender love and a hint of shyness, I created a wedding photoshoot for myself. It was more than just an artistic product; it was a way for me to preserve the truly authentic vibrations of my heart. To me, creation is not merely about producing a beautiful image; it is the process of transforming emotions into visual form – where every work carries a piece of my own very personal, very real self. |
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A note of love to the readers: “A few words I would like to send to the DNNLY readers: In this vast universe, where everyone is striving every day to exist and move forward, I only hope you can allow yourself moments to slow down—to listen, to feel, and to cherish every tiny moment of happiness in life.
Be grateful for your own existence, for the fact that we are here, in this very moment. As long as we are alive and able to feel, nothing is impossible.
I send you a little bit of love, ever so tenderly.
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—Finding Beauty in the Mundane— Thiện Tài (Graphic Designer/Artist) I’m Tài, though my friends often playfully call me ‘Thien Tai’ (a play on words implying ‘natural disaster’)!? I am currently a freelance junior graphic designer (who happened to switch paths to get here :’}). After two years of navigating the twists and turns of this profession, I’ve not only learned a great deal but also felt how it has transformed me in many ways. I am truly grateful for this journey; despite the occasional contradictions, I feel freer and more like myself than ever before. I am most creative when I find ideas in the things around me—the familiar, or even the silly little things in my daily life. I believe that when genuine emotion is present throughout the process, everything that emerges from the mind is authentic and beautiful in its own unique way. |
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A note of love to the DNNLY readers: “Amidst the infinite possibilities and moments that may come your way in life—whether you are enjoying them, struggling through them, or needing to pause and reflect—I hope you allow yourself to embrace, to do, to try, and most importantly, to live in them, if that is what your heart truly desires.
Because, at the end of the day, these experiences are the most valuable things we possess.
I hope these words can add a ray of light to our journey ahead. As the sun rises, it’s time to keep moving forward!”
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—The Art of Rebirth— Thân Trọng Hiển (Art Toy Designer) A few years ago, I faced a series of personal challenges that led me into a period of breakdown. After emerging from that phase, I felt as though I had been reborn. Since then, the image that frequently crosses my mind is of an entity turning to ash, leaving behind only a few bones. Yet, from those ashes and bones, this entity resurrects into a new form, with the old bones remaining on the outside. That is why my characters and artworks often carry themes of rebirth, metamorphosis, and feature skeletal elements. Through these very pieces, I have gradually learned to accept and love myself, and I am always ready to ‘evolve’.” |
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A note of love to the DNNLY readers: “I believe that humans are always capable of reshaping ourselves to become who we want to be, provided we have enough faith and gentleness toward ourselves. I hope that each of us will eventually find our own way to transform. Remember to give yourself a hug every single day.
Featured Artists:
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Tố Tố (@hyunthuan | @improvisedbythuan) – Model / Artist
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Thân Trọng Hiển (@thantrong.hien | @toxicrat.toy) – Art Toy Designer
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Thiện Tài (@thientai_ | @nottaicrafting) – Graphic Designer
Project / ChiLab Vietnam @chilab.vietnam
Photographs / Hải Mân @carl.thewatermelon
Áo Dài / TRANGBUI @trangbui.official
Make-up Artist / @heidi_mkup
Article / Thiện Tài @thientai_
