Vietnamese Calligraphy in the Modern Era
In recent years, “Vietnamese script calligraphy” or “Quoc ngu calligraphy” (Latin script) has flourished across the country and become a vibrant movement. It has been printed in books and newspapers, written on calendars, painted on clothes, embroidered on fabrics, and showcased in large and small exhibitions, garnering public interest. Additionally, numerous clubs and calligraphy teaching classes have been established.
The emergence of modern Vietnamese calligraphy marks a groundbreaking creative development in national art. Culturally, few newly born art forms have garnered as much attention as Vietnamese calligraphy. Its uniqueness lies in inheriting and perpetuating the nation’s longstanding tradition of revering the written word.
Quoc ngu calligraphy originated alongside the creation of the Quoc ngu script. Initially, Quoc ngu was primarily used for administrative documents for education. However, through the relentless creativity of artists, Quoc ngu gradually rose to an artistic level, becoming a medium to express the personal identity, emotions and mindset of the writer.
A beautiful Quoc ngu calligraphy piece requires not only the technical skill of excellent handwriting but also an artistic soul.
The key elements that contribute to a successful work include:
Text: The choice of words, their arrangement and their meaning play a crucial role in conveying the message of the piece.
Brushstrokes: Each stroke carries its own significance. The dynamic and flexible variation of strokes brings vibrancy and diversity to the artwork.
Composition: The layout of the text on the paper creates balance, harmony, and focal points that captivate the viewer.
Color: Colors enhance the aesthetic appeal of the work while reflecting the writer’s emotions and mood.
Materials: Paper, brushes, and ink are indispensable tools. Selecting the appropriate materials maximizes the aesthetic impact of the piece.
Quoc ngu calligraphy has various styles, from traditional to modern, each with its distinctive characteristics.
Traditional calligraphy: Preserves the classic beauty of Vietnamese characters, often using brushes and Chinese ink.
Modern calligraphy: Integrates modern elements like colors and materials to create innovative and unique works.
Stylized calligraphy: Shapes the characters in creative, unconventional ways, strongly reflecting the writer’s imprint.
Quoc ngu calligraphy is not only an art form but also carries profound cultural and social significance. It helps preserve and promote national culture, raises people’s awareness of language and writing, cultivates patience and concentration, helps relaxation and stress relief, and fosters creativity.
Beyond writing on paper, Quoc ngu calligraphy has been applied in various fields, such as design, fashion, architecture, and advertising. Quoc ngu calligraphy is a unique and promising art form. With its continuous development, it will increasingly assert its position and enrich the cultural and spiritual life of the Vietnamese people./.
Story: Khanh Long Photos: Cong Dat/VNP Translated by Phuong Tra