At 71 years old, Mr. Rơ Châm Khir still diligently uses each brushstroke to create unique and artistic oil paintings. "When I was little, I used to draw on wooden walls and house walls with a pencil; anything that came to mind became a drawing. From those simple initial drawings, my passion for painting grew over the years, and my drawing skills became more refined," Mr. Khir recalls.
His painting skills were recognized and trusted by the villagers, who invited him to decorate newly built houses and sacred burial grounds. “Once, a group of art students from Hanoi came to Ia Phi commune to learn about Jrai culture. When they saw the paintings around the burial grounds, they couldn’t hide their surprise and admiration. The commune officials introduced the works and invited me to meet the group. Afterwards, I was entrusted with leading the group to attend the funeral ceremony, and then we went back to the village to paint scenes of people bathing in the stream and collecting water. Together, we captured those simple moments through paintings. Witnessing my quick, beautiful, and emotional paintings, everyone was surprised and praised me,” Mr. Khir recalled.
Mr. Khir primarily paints with oil paints. For him, painting is not simply art, but also a way to preserve and transmit the culture and soul of the Jrai people to others. The content of his paintings often revolves around natural landscapes, daily life, and the work of the village. Whenever villagers or people from neighboring areas build new houses, communal houses, or tombs, they invite him to paint and decorate them. Before painting, they tell him the story and present their ideas; he listens carefully and then recreates them with realistic and vivid brushstrokes.
“They tell stories, I listen and then draw them. Whatever image they like, I draw it. I draw out of passion, not for any reward; I'm just happy if the people appreciate me,” Mr. Khir confided.
Not only is Mr. Khir skilled in drawing, but he is also adept at carving folk wooden statues. His statues, though simple, are very soulful and are cherished by the local people. He also frequently represents his commune in competitions. At the 2013 Chư Păh District Gong and Statue Carving and Brocade Weaving Art Performance Competition; and the 2017 Chư Păh District Basket Weaving, Statue Carving, and Brocade Weaving Competition, he won second prize in the statue carving category.
As the village elder, Mr. Khir is very active in maintaining security and order in the village. Previously, the village was plagued by troublemakers from other areas who lured young people into wrongdoing such as fighting and drug use. Recognizing the importance of maintaining peace in the village, he collaborated with the police and local authorities to raise awareness among villagers, reminding them to avoid violating the law, and directly explaining the harmful effects of drugs to young people. As a result, security and order in the village have gradually stabilized, and social vices have been reduced.
Ms. Rơ Châm Hih (from Kênh village) expressed: "Mr. Khir is a sincere person, trusted by the villagers. He is always willing to help anyone who needs him to paint pictures to decorate their homes, sculpt statues, or do anything else. He is not only skilled at painting but also frequently reminds young people to stay away from social vices. Mr. Khir always maintains a friendly, approachable attitude and cares about everyone, so he is well-liked by all."
Ms. Rơ Châm Ayen, a cultural and information officer at the Ia Phí Commune People's Committee, commented: "Mr. Rơ Châm Khir is a village elder with knowledge and responsibility towards the community. Using his prestige, he has helped people understand and comply with the Party's guidelines and the State's laws and policies. At the same time, he actively participates in mediating conflicts and disputes arising within the community, contributing to maintaining security and order and strengthening national unity."
For his positive contributions, in 2024, Mr. Rơ Châm Khir was awarded a certificate of commendation by the Director of the Gia Lai Provincial Police for his outstanding achievements in the nationwide movement to protect national security, during the period 2022-2023.
Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/gia-lang-2-gioi-cua-xa-ia-phi-post329215.html
Comment (0)