Mr. Ho Dang Thanh Ngoc, Chairman of the Union of Literature and Arts Associations of Hue City

Sharing with Hue today at the weekend, Mr. Ho Dang Thanh Ngoc, Chairman of the Union, said: During the years of resistance, Hue artists and writers turned literature and art into weapons. Revolutionary poems, songs, propaganda paintings, and plays in the war zone became the spiritual strength to encourage the people. Especially, in the Hue urban movement before 1975, the role of artists and writers became clearer: Trinh Cong Son's music, Buu Chi's paintings, poems and protest actions of Ngo Kha, Tran Quang Long... turned art into a flame that fueled patriotism, stirring the public's conscience, especially the youth.

Entering peace , the Union continued to promote its organizational role, creating an environment for artists to create. Song Huong Magazine became an important forum, a gathering place for great writers such as Hoang Phu Ngoc Tuong, author of "Who named the river"; Nguyen Khoa Diem, author of "Country"; or works of many other generations. These works have gone beyond the borders of Hue, becoming the common spiritual heritage of Vietnamese culture.

Looking back, it can be affirmed that the role of the Union is not limited to the local scope but has contributed to creating core values ​​of the cultural and spiritual life of the whole country.

In each historical period, what are the most typical marks left in Hue's literary and artistic life, sir?

We can divide it into four distinct stages. The period 1945 - 1954, right after the August Revolution, the Thua Thien National Salvation Cultural Federation was born. Resistance songs, anti-enemy poems, and propaganda posters appeared everywhere. This was the period of affirmation: Literature and art did not stand outside of history, but were a part of the resistance.

During the period 1954 - 1975, Hue literature and art became a force in the urban struggle movement. Hue was considered the "anti-war capital" with Buu Chi's paintings, Trinh Cong Son's music, Ngo Kha's and Nguyen Phu Yen's poems ... In the war zone, the works of Tran Hoan and Nguyen Khoa Diem... spoke out strongly, affirming that literature and art go hand in hand with the revolution.

In the period 1975 - 1989, after the country's reunification, the number of artists and writers became large with three streams: from the war zone, from the North and the local team. This was the period when a strong team was formed, creating a vibrant artistic life. The Huong River magazine appeared, affirming Hue as a literary and artistic center with its own identity.

Since 1989, the organizational structure has become increasingly strong, professional associations have developed strongly, many Hue artists have won major national and international awards. Hue fine arts, photography, theater, literature, and music have all contributed their own voices, participating in the Hue Festival and many international exchange activities. A generation of young authors has also emerged, exploring new styles and ways of thinking.

Artist Tran Thi Thu Dong - President of the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists and Mr. Phan Ngoc Tho - former Standing Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee visited the exhibition "Spring Colors of Three Regions" Hanoi - Hue - Ho Chi Minh City

Can you tell us about the outstanding achievements that the Union has achieved in recent years?

It can be said that the most outstanding achievement is that the Union has maintained and affirmed that Hue is one of the cultural and artistic centers of the country. Song Huong Magazine continues to play the role of an open forum, a gathering place for many young writers and prestigious authors. Many works of Hue artists have won national and regional literary and artistic awards.

In addition, professional associations have vibrant activities. The Fine Arts, Photography, Architecture, Theatre, Music Associations, etc. all organize many exhibitions, festivals, and performances, creating their own mark. Many Hue photographers have won international awards; painters have participated in prestigious exhibitions; theatre and music artists have participated and created a unique identity for the Hue Festival.

Another achievement is the formation of a team of young authors who are innovative in their research and engage in contemporary life topics. They are the “new vitality” of Hue literature and art today.

According to you, what has created the unique identity of Hue artists so that they can maintain their special position in any circumstance?

If we had to name a common characteristic, it would be silence and contemplation. Hue artists are not noisy or ostentatious, but let their works gradually penetrate people's hearts. From poetry, music to painting, photography... all have a slow rhythm, closely connected with the nature and culture of the land. The Perfume River, Ngu Mountain, the sound of temple bells, Hue gardens... are not just the background but become a part of the work.

At the same time, Hue artists are not content. Although they live in silence, they always dare to raise their voices in protest against injustice, standing on the side of humanity. From Ngo Kha, Trinh Cong Son, Tran Quang Long to Buu Chi, their works are rich in humanity, containing the desire for freedom and independence. In the works of Hue artists, there is always a sparkling aesthetic beauty, fragile but enduring. It is a consciousness that preserves the memories of Hue, so that each word, melody, and drawing becomes the memory and soul of this land.

On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of its founding, what do you expect from Hue's artists in the coming period?

Today’s Hue artists are truly cultural ambassadors. They not only continue the tradition but also contribute to enriching and spreading Hue’s values ​​throughout the country and the world.

I hope that the artists, especially the young generation, will maintain their passion, dedication and desire to create. In the context of reading culture and audio-visual culture being under pressure from the market, artistic work needs to be more persistent, profound and humane than ever. The greatest happiness of an artist is to live and create in their homeland, a land known as the land of poetry, music and painting. I believe that the academic environment, exchange and democratic creativity in Hue will continue to create unique works of lasting value for the future.

According to you, in the coming time, what important issues should Hue's artists pay attention to in order to overcome difficulties from real life?

Hue literature and arts are currently facing many challenges. Pressure from the market and the entertainment industry has made the public, especially the young, less and less interested in traditional literature and arts. The gap between the public and high art is widening, requiring artists to find a way to balance between taste and preserving spiritual values...

To overcome this, in my opinion, Hue artists must be steadfast in their goal of accompanying the nation, staying close to the people, integrating but not dissolving. Digital technology needs to be used as a tool to support creativity and promote works, not as a threat. In particular, the younger generation, those who are well-trained and have access to contemporary literature and art, need to commit and be creative to meet the increasingly high expectations of the public.

In the new journey, Hue still faces many difficulties, but I believe that with its affirmed identity and social responsibility, Hue's artists will have enough courage to both preserve the national soul and integrate into the global cultural flow.

80 years is a long journey, long enough to see the maturity and contribution of Hue artists in the history of the nation. But more importantly, the 80-year milestone also opens a new beginning - where the "new vitality" of Hue artists continues to shine, accompanying the country on the journey of creation and service.

Thank you!

Bach Chau (Implementation)

Source: https://huengaynay.vn/van-hoa-nghe-thuat/hanh-trinh-phung-su-va-sang-tao-157875.html