Bringing fine art closer to the public.

(GLO) - Professor, Doctor, Distinguished Teacher, sculptor Nguyen Xuan Tien - Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Association - shared about the journey of "harmonizing" art between the two regions to bring fine arts closer to the public.

He shared this information on the occasion of attending the "Harmony 2" art exhibition in 2026, held from May 26th to June 6th at the Gia Lai Provincial Conference Center (Quy Nhon ward).

Diverse national cultures, harmonizing in a shared rhythm.

The "Harmony 2" art exhibition in 2026, organized by the Gia Lai Provincial Association of Literature and Arts in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Association, brings together 62 works by 56 artists from Ho Chi Minh City and Gia Lai.

In the exhibition space, the artwork "Song of Unification of North, Central, and South Vietnam," created using embossed aluminum on lacquer by Professor, Doctor, Distinguished Educator, and sculptor Nguyen Xuan Tien, attracted attention as it told the story of regional culture and the spirit of national unity after half a century of the country being one.

* Could you introduce the artwork you've brought to this exhibition?

- This is a work I created to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of Southern Vietnam and the Reunification of the Country (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025).

The artwork consists of three parts, which can stand alone but, when placed together, form a whole embodying the spirit of cultural harmony from the three regions of Vietnam.

The artwork on the left depicts typical images of Northern Vietnam, featuring Northern Vietnamese folk singing (ca trù), the đàn đáy (a type of lute), the trống bỏi (a type of drum), the nón quai thao (a type of conical hat), and the áo tứ thân (a type of four-panel dress)... These details evoke the cultural landscape of Kinh Bắc.

The central artwork bears the imprint of Central Vietnam and the Central Highlands, featuring gongs and Central Highlands culture, including elements that evoke the Gia Lai region.

The final piece represents Southern Vietnam with its traditional folk music, concave-fretted guitar, moon lute, flute, etc. I want to say that after 50 years of reunification, our country, though culturally diverse, still shares a common heartbeat, with a sense of convergence and unity.

Professor, Doctor, Distinguished Educator, and sculptor Nguyen Xuan Tien (far left) converses with painter Dinh Viet Thanh - a member of the Gia Lai Fine Arts Branch ( thuộc the Provincial Literature and Arts Association). Photo: NN

* It seems that national cultural elements are always very clearly present in his works?

- That's right. I think art, if separated from national culture, will lose its roots. Artists must find their own identity within their own culture. Traveling to many places and experiencing many different regions, I've come to realize that each area has its own unique beauty, and that's a great source of inspiration for creativity.

Gia Lai in particular, and the Central Highlands in general, possess a very special cultural depth. The space of gong music, community life, and local colors are all rich sources of inspiration for visual artists.

"Harmony" is the meeting of artistic emotions.

For three consecutive years (2024-2026), the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Association will organize field trips, exchanges, and exhibitions in Gia Lai. According to Professor and Doctor Nguyen Xuan Tien, this connection stems from a special "chance encounter" between artists from the two localities.

* In your opinion, what creates the strong bond between the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Association and Gia Lai?

- Every year, the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Association organizes field trips to various regions for artists to learn about the lives and people of the area and gather material for their work. However, there are few places we have returned to continuously for three years like Gia Lai.

From our first visit here, we felt the openness, sincerity, and great spirit of collaboration from the Gia Lai Literature and Arts Association, the cultural sector, and local artists. This is what created the bond.

In particular, 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of artist Xu Man, who is considered the "leading figure" of Central Highlands art.

At that time, the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Association donated 42 works by painter Xu Man, which the Association had preserved for many years, to the Pleiku Museum. From that milestone, the "Harmony" art exhibition was born.

* What values ​​does "harmony" aim for, sir?

- There are two main objectives. Firstly, to create interaction between artists from the two localities, not only professionally but also emotionally. Through this, people will understand each other better and learn more from each other.

Secondly, it's about bringing the artwork to the public. In any art form, to find creative inspiration, the artist must engage with and immerse themselves in life. The artwork created must have a connection to life and be accepted by the public. This vital connection, in turn, impacts life, making it better.

I really liked the way the "Harmony 2" art exhibition was organized in the coastal city of Quy Nhon, because of the open space and the welcoming atmosphere. Viewers could easily access it, especially students and young people.

The open exhibition space allows the public easy access to visual art at the "Harmony 2" art exhibition. Photo: NN

Bringing art into public spaces

According to Professor and Doctor Nguyen Xuan Tien, the connection between the art communities of Ho Chi Minh City and Gia Lai will continue beyond just one exhibition, through various activities aimed at building community art spaces.

* Following the "Harmony 2" art exhibition, what directions will the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Association take to continue supporting the fine arts in Gia Lai?

- We have been working with the Gia Lai Literature and Arts Association and plan to invite some painters and sculptors from Gia Lai to exhibit in Ho Chi Minh City next year. After two occasions where artists from Ho Chi Minh City brought their works to Gia Lai, the third time will be the other way around.

Furthermore, I sincerely hope that Gia Lai can organize coastal sculpture workshops, inviting artists from many places to participate. If this is done, the artworks will be present in public spaces, directly reaching the community. Public sculpture not only beautifies the landscape but also has an impact on aesthetic education and enhances the cultural life of the people.

A major advantage of Gia Lai is that its artists are very dedicated and enthusiastic. Even more valuable is their unique style; just by looking at their works, you can clearly see the distinct cultural characteristics of Gia Lai.

However, the current resources are quite limited. Organizing a large-scale exhibition requires a strong team. Therefore, connecting with other localities is essential.

I think it's important to create more creative environments, provide opportunities for interaction, and bring art closer to the public. When the public loves art, more young people will pursue this path.

Professor, Doctor, Distinguished Educator, sculptor Nguyen Xuan Tien (fourth from the left) and other delegates perform the opening ceremony of the "Harmony 2" art exhibition in 2026. Photo: NN

* What message would you like to convey to the public through the "Harmony 2" art exhibition in 2026?

- I think bringing art exhibitions into public spaces is a very effective approach to promoting culture and art to all segments of the population.

When people can directly see, feel, and interact with the artwork, they will better understand the language of visual art. From there, their love for art will grow.

At the same time, it also contributes to enhancing community aesthetics, building a healthy cultural life, and developing well-rounded individuals. In today's integration process, art plays a very important role in nurturing national cultural identity and creating spiritual strength for society.

Thank you, sir!

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/dua-my-thuat-den-gan-hon-voi-cong-chung-post588522.html