The Painter Dang Mau Tuu and the exhibition "Aotearoa – A Land of White Clouds" |
Creative camps flourished
Participating in the closing creative camp on the theme of "preventing corruption," Van Cong Toan, a poet, expressed joy: "This year, the increased number of creative camps provided us artists with more experience and inspired us to create meaningful works of art."
The creative camp on the theme of "preventing corruption" marked the seventh and final camp organized by the Provincial Union of Literature and Arts Associations in 2023. It was indeed a year marked by the proliferation of creative camps. From the beginning of the year, artists were present in fields cultivating jute (Lepironia articulata), in business enterprises, and among families producing jute products, nets, etc. They observed the vibrant work atmosphere of the people in their livelihoods and economic development in Phong Binh commune, Phong Dien district, during the "Phong Binh – Beloved Hometown" creative camp.
Shortly afterward, the "Thua Thien Hue - Journey and Aspiration" creative camp opened. Over 100 works drew inspiration from the determination and aspirations of the Thua Thien Hue Party Committee and people during the renewal process. Additionally, the preservation and promotion of the values of heritage, culture, and the qualities of the people of Thua Thien Hue during the period of integration and development were highlighted.
Photo exhibition commemorating the 78th anniversary of the founding of the Provincial Union of Literature and Arts Associations in Thua Thien Hue |
The topic of police officers also received attention through the Literature and Arts Association's creative camp on "Thua Thien Hue Police - For the Peaceful Life" for the second time. According to Ho Dang Thanh Ngoc, writer, Chairman of the Provincial Union of Literature and Arts Associations, the theme "police officers, for the peaceful life" was highly appealing to artists: "When real stories are illuminated by literature, readers gain a fuller understanding of issues related to the destiny of the nation, the existing peace, and the silent sacrifice for the nation by the police officers, which should not be forgotten." Nearly 140 works completed by artists reflected diverse aspects of the vivid, loving, and responsible image of Thua Thien Hue People's Police.
The Literature and Arts Association's creative camp "The Song of the Unified Nation" organized in Hue prepared for the 50th anniversary of the reunification of the country. The works in this camp mainly focused on the heroic theme of the unified nation, the gentle silhouette of the homeland entering the core of history, culture, beautiful landscapes, and the friendly people of Hue.
The life and dreams of the people in Phong Hai commune, Phong Dien district, became the inspiration for the "Phong Hai – The land of memories " creative camp. Considered one of the oldest coastal villages in Thua Thien Hue province, the ancestors of the residents were confirmed to be Dang Ngoai (Outer Realm) inhabitants who followed the Nguyen lords to Dang Trong (Inner Realm) via the sea route and settled there earliest. Artists closely followed the reality of the people's lives, presenting 78 works from the creative camp to promote the cultural image of Phong Hai's land, people, and nature during the renewal process of building the homeland and the nation.
The overall development process of A Luoi district and the border commune of A Roang attracted many artists to participate in the A Roang literature and arts creative camp. As a border commune located in the southern part of A Luoi district, A Roang is the residence of the Ta Oi ethnic group, along with the Co Tu and Kinh people. Precious experiences from the journey along the Truong Son Road, nights in the rainforest, red flame stoves, hot rice wine, or the daily activities of the people were used by artists as material for the 65 works of the creative camp.
The literature and arts creative camp on the topic of preventing corruption was the last creative camp to conclude the booming year of literature and arts in Hue in 2023. This was also the first time that a "sensitive" theme was approached by artists. The 53 works of this creative camp reflected the determination of our Party and State in the fight against corruption, the active response and participation of the people in the struggle against corruption and negativity.
Many outstanding events
Hue's literature and arts scene also experienced a year with many notable events. Several exhibitions attracted the attention of art lovers, such as the 28th Regional Fine Arts Exhibition of Northern Central Vietnam, which reflected the beauty of life and the socio-economic development of the country in the period of renewal. The exhibition "Aotearoa – A Land of White Clouds" by Dang Mau Tuu documented the artist's time in New Zealand while conveying a meaningful message about the homeland, stating that "wherever you go, your homeland is always the most beautiful place you want to return to - a place that leaves the most beautiful memories in our lives."
In 2023, the Song Huong Magazine celebrated the 40th anniversary of its first publication. Over the past 40 years, Song Huong Magazine has left a strong imprint on readers, attracting many authors from both inside and outside the country. It has become one of the leading prestigious magazines with distinctive content, form, and quality. Ho Dang Thanh Ngoc, Chairman of the Provincial Union of Literature and Arts Associations in Thua Thien Hue, commented: "Over 40 years of development, Song Huong has embodied a flowing stream of diversity amidst the literary and artistic horizon."
Ho Dang Thanh Ngoc shared that in 2024, the Provincial Union of Literature and Arts Associations will continue to accompany artists in many creative camps, while seeking new sources of materials and inspiration to provide more experiences for Hue artists, creating many rich cultural and artistic works for the homeland.