The exhibition entitled “Renowned Vietnamese Generals through Art” provided visitors with a deep insight into several aspects of the life and career of outstanding Vietnamese generals including General Vo Nguyen Giap and General Nguyen Chi Thanh.

The exhibition was held in Hanoi by the Vietnam Association of Historical Sciences, Vietnam Military History Museum and Heritage Club House in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army (December 22, 1944 – December 22, 2014) and the 40th anniversary of the Southern Liberation and National Reunification day (April 30, 1974 - April 30, 2015).

On display were many paintings,  photos and statues featuring the renowned generals, especially two exemplary ones of modern time: General Vo Nguyen Giap and General Nguyen Chi Thanh, who led the Vietnam People’s Army to win the two resistance wars against the French and Americans. The pieces of art depicted heroism of the generals in different ways.

Besides works by famous painter Phan Ke An, the exhibition also showcased pieces of work of young artists such as a collection of lacquer portraits by Tran Tuan Long; large-size  painting portraits by Mai Duy Minh; the 6m long painting named “Truong Ca” (Epic) by Nguyen Doan Son; a set of propaganda posters by Ha Huy Le; large-size water color portraits by Nguyen Van Toan; and a collection of General Vo Nguyen Giap’s statues by sculptor Tran Van Thuc.
 

Despite the differences in expression, the pieces of art all revealed the simplicity of the nation’s generals. General Vo Nguyen Giap was depicted as a great, erudite general but also a humble and friendly big brother. Artist Nguyen Van Toan used water colors to feature General Vo Nguyen Giap with his white hair, wide forehead, righteous smile and a humble faded uniform. Tran Tuan Long’s lacquer work portrays General Vo Nguyen Giap with his bright eyes, full of belief, with the background of the Dien Bien Phu battlefield’s map. Le Thi Thuc, an amateur artist, made a portrait of General Vo Nguyen Giap with 60,000 matches to show her admiration for the heroic man.

General Nguyen Chi Thanh was pictured as being deep in thought with the background of ruined Hue Imperial city in Mai Duy Minh’s painting. The artwork portrayed his anxiety when witnessing his hometown being destroyed by the enemy’s ammunition.

Commenting on the exhibition, Duong Trung Quoc, General Secretary of the Vietnam Association of Historical Sciences, acknowledged: “I am really moved to see the emotions and creativity of artists. Their significant work contributed to encouraging Vietnamese youngsters to take pride in national history and their own roots.”
 

 

Story: Quynh Anh  -  Photos: Trinh Van Bo