"Open museum" by Hoi Phu stream

Sketch of the work "Upstream" by author Phan Thanh Tu.

The idea of ​​an art sculpture garden in the heart of the mountain town has been cherished by sculptor Nguyen Vinh, Vice President of the Vietnam Fine Arts Association in Gia Lai for many years. At that time, he affirmed that he could mobilize famous sculptors from many provinces and cities across the country to send their works if there was a proper plan for this "open museum".

Not many people thought that his idea would come true until the morning of May 17, when the Provincial Literature and Arts Association organized a Council to select sketches for the "Gia Lai Land and People" Sculpture Creation Camp, of which Nguyen Vinh was a member.

The Council's task is to select 14 sketches that ensure cultural and artistic elements, and are in harmony with the urban space... to be constructed and displayed at the Hoi Phu Stream Urban Area (from Nguyen Tri Phuong Bridge to Minh Thanh Pagoda). The construction of the work will take place from May 20 to August 15 from socialized funding.

Meritorious Artist Dang Cong Hung - Vice Chairman in charge of the Provincial Literature and Arts Association, Chairman of the Selection Council - said: With his personal prestige, sculptor Nguyen Vinh and the Association connected and mobilized many sculptors in the Central and Southern regions to participate in the creative camp. The number of authors responding increased from 25 to 34; the number of sketches also increased from 30 to 54. Therefore, the Selection Council had to carefully consider to select outstanding works, expressing 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 Jury select the best sketches. Photo: PD

Notably, the creative camp included famous names in Vietnamese fine arts such as: Tran Viet Ha - who just won first prize in the fine arts award "50 years of unification - Construction and development of Ho Chi Minh City"; Chau Tram Anh - second prize (no first prize) in the national 5-year sculpture competition and exhibition...

At the selection session, the sketch “Sunset on the Lake” by sculptor Tran Viet Ha was highly appreciated by the Council for its skillful generalization of the beauty of “Pleiku’s eyes” with rhythmic shapes, floating like a cloud. The sketch “Through the Epic Land” by sculptor Chau Tram Anh also uses the language of visual arts to lead viewers to the world of legends through the old village elder’s stories by the fire, or the resounding sound of gongs.

The characteristics of Gia Lai land and people are also deeply exploited through the sketches of works: Shadow of the Kơ nia tree (Nguyen Van Huy), The sun on the mother's back (Doan Xuan Hung), Mother Bahnar (Tran Thien Nhut), Legend of the Central Highlands (Nguyen The Truong), Young girl with the Cho Rao bird (Vo Ngoc Lan), Eyes of the Lake (Le Trong Nghia), Mountain girl (Ha Van Sau)...

Sculptor Nguyen Vinh contributed with the sketch “The Roof of the Central Highlands” inspired by gong culture. Using modern blocks combined with traditional sculpture, he expressed his belief in the connection and joining hands to build a Central Highlands rich in identity with green spaces that attract tourists.

Sketch of the work "Sunset on the Lake" by sculptor Tran Viet Ha.

With their love for their homeland, many authors who were born and raised in Gia Lai also sent sketches to participate in the creative camp. Talking to PV, sculptor Phan Thanh Tu (Ia Sao commune, Ia Grai district; currently working in Binh Duong and Ho Chi Minh City) said: The sketch "Upstream" was inspired by the cool streams that flow through the vast forests of the Central Highlands and then converge into a large waterfall with endless strength and energy, promoting the economic development of the region. "Upstream" also represents the character, spirit and will of the Gia Lai people, like the flow of water, harmoniously pure but also very strong and passionate.

The author, who has had some works selected to decorate urban spaces, commented: “Gia Lai is a very poetic land. The appearance of the statue cluster in Hoi Phu Stream Urban Area will create more highlights for the landscape, positively impacting the aesthetic taste of the people and contributing to the development of tourism”. In addition to the supported funding, Mr. Phan Thanh Tu is willing to spend more of his own money to complete the work in accordance with the scale and materials as in the sketch.

Not only revolving around the “pieces” of the Central Highlands, the appeal of the sketches also lies in the richness of the themes of love, family love… with the language of contemporary sculpture. We can mention the sketch “Opening the umbrella to cover the sun” by Le Lang Bien, stylizing the image of parents spreading their arms to protect their children; “Duyen” by Phan Vuong talks about the harmony in love; “Connection” by Pham Dinh Tien with the idea of ​​​​connection to take long steps together…

At the selection session, Chairman of the Provincial Association of Architects Vo Hong Nhan as well as members of the Council paid special attention to the arrangement of the completed works in suitable locations, so that there is resonance and harmonious connection between the works and space, trees, light, water surface, etc. An outdoor sculpture park rich in themes and diverse in styles is gradually taking shape in the anticipation of Gia Lai culture and art lovers.

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