Ngay Xua Ngay Xua (translate: Once Upon A Time) is a zine depicting illustrations of Vietnamese folklores and fairytales and their titles.
Experimental Zine
publication 8 x 114”
spread 8 x 12”
10 pages each, accordion binding
Each spread serves as a window into the wisdom and cultural identity of the Vietnamese people. Spanning over 90 inches, this zine is a journey through time and space, highlighting the enduring significance of storytelling in connecting us to our past and guiding our future.
As a tribute to Vietnamese culture, I wanted Ngay Xua Ngay Xua to invite readers to delve into its pages and discover the essence of Vietnam's storytelling tradition.
According to legend, Lac Long Quan, the Dragon Lord, and Au Co, a fairy, fell in love and bore a sac containing 100 eggs. Each egg hatched into a son, who would later become the ancestors of the Vietnamese people. Lac Long Quan, being a dragon, returned to the sea, while Au Co, being a fairy, took the children to the mountains. This tale embodies the fusion of heaven and earth, symbolizing the dual nature of the Vietnamese people as descendants of both the dragon and the fairy. It reflects the belief in the divine origins of the Vietnamese nation and highlights the harmonious relationship between humanity and nature.
Through the retelling of such stories, Vietnamese people reaffirm their cultural identity and pass down cherished values from generation to generation. These fairy tales not only entertain but also educate, instilling a sense of pride and belonging in individuals and fostering a deeper understanding of their cultural heritage.
An Khe Tra Vang
Anh Hoc Tro Va Ba Con Quy
Thach Sanh Ly Thong
Tam Cam
Son Tinh Thuy Tinh
Su Tinh Banh Chung Banh Day
Cay Tre Tram Dot