Ceramic reliefs tell stories about President Ho Chi Minh.

People's Artist Pham Van Tuyen stands beside a portrait statue of President Ho Chi Minh.

Respect history

A notable aspect of artisan Pham Van Tuyen's work is his choice of subject matter. Besides ancient patterns, religious imagery, and traditional cultural stories, the artisan devotes much of his passion to themes related to President Ho Chi Minh . This is not only an artistic direction but also a way for him to express his respect for history and the spiritual values of the nation.

Among them are the statues of President Ho Chi Minh sitting and reading a book in Pac Bo Cave, inspired by historical documentary photographs. This was in early 1941, when he had just returned to the country and directly led the revolution under extremely difficult conditions in the mountainous region of Cao Bang .

In the work, President Ho Chi Minh is depicted sitting thoughtfully beside a book, suggesting that he always devoted time to studying, thinking, and preparing for the revolutionary path. According to many sources, reading books and newspapers and taking notes was a regular habit of his, even in difficult circumstances, demonstrating his self-learning spirit and the strategic vision of a leader.

The artist chose a simple, uncluttered style. Familiar features such as the khaki uniform, the graceful figure, and the gentle gaze are carefully rendered, creating a sense of intimacy while maintaining the necessary solemnity. This image not only recreates a historical moment but also evokes a profound philosophical depth – where major revolutionary decisions were formed from the pages of books, in the tranquil setting of the Pac Bo mountains.

In the relief sculptures, the set of 13 ceramic plates depicting President Ho Chi Minh bears the creative imprint of the artisans. The works are based on familiar images of Uncle Ho through different periods, from his revolutionary activities to his years leading the country.

Enduring innovation

One of the 13 ceramic relief plates depicting President Ho Chi Minh, created by People's Artist Pham Van Tuyen.

According to People's Artist Pham Van Tuyen, portraying President Ho Chi Minh requires exceptional care. "The most difficult thing is capturing his essence. Simply resembling him in appearance isn't enough; you have to make the viewer feel his simplicity and approachability," he explained. To achieve this, he spends considerable time researching documents, observing images, and experimenting numerous times before completing a work.

Commenting on these creations, Mr. Nguyen An Hung, Chairman of the Hai Phong Craft Village Association, remarked: “The works depicting President Ho Chi Minh by artisan Pham Van Tuyen combine skillful sculpting techniques with professional emotion. The value of the works lies not only in their form but also in how they convey the spirit of the character. Furthermore, he is a serious, calm, and persistent craftsman, maintaining consistency throughout his creative process.”

To complete a relief ceramic product, the artisan must go through many stages: from shaping, sculpting, surface treatment to glazing and firing at high temperatures. This process demands precision, as even a small deviation in technique can affect the shape and color after firing. In addition, researching and experimenting with different glazes is also a crucial factor in creating the unique color tones of each artwork.

Driven by his love for folk sculpture, People's Artist Pham Van Tuyen chose to dedicate himself to ceramics. Over the years, he has continuously researched and restored ancient patterns, while also developing new techniques to suit modern aesthetic needs. His works have participated in numerous exhibitions and display spaces, gradually establishing his position in the art world.

For artworks depicting President Ho Chi Minh, the significance extends beyond mere visual art. It's also about how artisans preserve the image of the President using durable materials, while simultaneously bringing historical and cultural values closer to the public. Each piece clearly demonstrates a combination of skill, perseverance, and a serious approach to the craft.

HA LINH

Source: https://baohaiphong.vn/gom-phu-dieu-ke-chuyen-bac-ho-542946.html