"Open Museum" by the Hoi Phu stream

(GLO) - It is expected that in mid-August 2025, 14 outstanding works from the "Land and People of Gia Lai" Sculpture Workshop will be unveiled to the public at the Suoi Hoi Phu Urban Area, Pleiku City. Not only will they beautify the picturesque landscape, but the collection of works displayed at this "open museum" will also speak to the urban identity.

Sketch of the artwork "Upstream" by author Phan Thanh Tú.

The idea of ​​an art sculpture garden in the heart of the mountain town has been nurtured for many years by sculptor Nguyen Vinh, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Fine Arts Association branch in Gia Lai . At that time, he asserted that he could mobilize renowned sculptors from many provinces and cities across the country to submit their works if there was a well-planned "open museum."

Not many people thought that his idea would become a reality until the morning of May 17th, when the Provincial Literature and Arts Association held a council to select the preliminary sketches for the "Land and People of Gia Lai" sculpture workshop, of which Nguyen Vinh was a member.

The Council's task is to select 14 design sketches that ensure cultural and artistic elements, and harmonize with the urban space, for construction and display in the Hoi Phu Stream Urban Area (the section from Nguyen Tri Phuong Bridge to Minh Thanh Pagoda). Construction of the artworks will take place from May 20th to August 15th, funded through social contributions.

Meritorious Artist Dang Cong Hung - Vice Chairman in charge of the Provincial Literature and Arts Association, Chairman of the Selection Council - said: "Through his personal prestige, sculptor Nguyen Vinh, together with the Association, connected with and encouraged many sculptors in the Central and Southern regions to participate in the creative camp. The number of participating authors increased from 25 to 34; the number of sketches also increased from 30 to 54. Therefore, the Selection Council had to carefully consider and select outstanding works that reflect the characteristics of the land and people of Gia Lai, as well as the characteristics of a highland city."

Sculptor Nguyen Vinh (right) and members of the judging panel select the best sketches. Photo: PD

Notably, the workshop included prominent figures in Vietnamese art such as Tran Viet Ha, who recently won first prize in the "50 Years of Unification - Building and Developing Ho Chi Minh City" art competition; and Chau Tram Anh, who won second prize (no first prize awarded) in the 5-year national sculpture competition and exhibition…

At the selection process, the sketch "Sunset over the Lake" by sculptor Tran Viet Ha was highly praised by the judging panel for its skillful portrayal of the beauty of "Pleiku's eyes" through rhythmic, ethereal forms like a cloud. The sketch "Through the Epic Realm" by sculptor Chau Tram Anh also uses the artistic language of sculpture to guide viewers into a world of legend through the folk tales of village elders by the fire, or the resounding sounds of gongs and drums.

The unique characteristics of Gia Lai's land and people are also explored in depth through sketches in various works: The Shadow of the Kơ Nia Tree (Nguyen Van Huy), The Sun on Mother's Back (Doan Xuan Hung), Mother Bahnar (Tran Thien Nhut), Legend of the Central Highlands (Nguyen The Truong), Young Woman Beside the Chơ Rao Bird (Vo Ngoc Lan), Eyes of the Sea Lake (Le Trong Nghia), Mountain Girl (Ha Van Sau)...

Sculptor Nguyen Vinh contributed his sketch "The Central Highlands Roof," inspired by the gong culture. Combining modern forms with traditional sculpture, he conveys his belief in unity and collaboration in building a Central Highlands rich in cultural identity, with green spaces that attract tourists.

Sketch of the artwork "Sunset over the Lake" by sculptor Tran Viet Ha.

Driven by their love for their homeland, many artists who were born and raised in Gia Lai also submitted sketches to the art camp. Speaking with a reporter, sculptor Phan Thanh Tú (from Ia Sao commune, Ia Grai district; currently working in Binh Duong and Ho Chi Minh City) said: The sketch "Upstream" draws inspiration from the cool streams that meander through the vast forests of the Central Highlands, converging into a large waterfall with boundless power and energy, driving the economic development of the region. "Upstream" also reflects the character, spirit, and will of the people of Gia Lai, like the flow of water – harmonious and pure, yet also incredibly strong and passionate.

The artist, whose works have been selected for decoration in urban spaces, commented: “Gia Lai is a very poetic land. The appearance of the sculpture cluster in the Suoi Hoi Phu urban area will create an additional highlight in the landscape, positively impacting the aesthetic taste of the people and contributing to the development of tourism.” In addition to the financial support, Mr. Phan Thanh Tu is willing to contribute his own money to complete the work according to the scale and materials as in the sketch.

Beyond simply focusing on the Central Highlands, the appeal of these sketches lies in their rich themes of love and family, expressed through contemporary sculptural language. Examples include Lê Lang Biên's sketch "Opening an Umbrella to Protect from the Sun," a stylized depiction of parents shielding their child; Phan Vương's "Destiny," which speaks of harmony in love; and Phạm Đình Tiến's "Connection," with its idea of ​​togetherness to take long strides forward…

At the selection meeting, the Chairman of the Provincial Architects Association, Vo Hong Nhan, as well as the members of the Council, paid special attention to the placement of the completed artworks in suitable locations, ensuring a harmonious connection and synergy between the artworks and the surrounding space, greenery, light, and water features. A rich outdoor sculpture park, diverse in themes and styles, is gradually taking shape, much anticipated by those who love culture and art in Gia Lai.

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/bao-tang-mo-ben-suoi-hoi-phu-post324430.html