Painter Nguyen Van Mac, the person in charge of making the Panorama painting "Dien Bien Phu Campaign"

Majestic, majestic and full of pride is the feeling of anyone standing in front of the Panorama painting depicting the entire scene of the "Dien Bien Phu Campaign" at the Dien Bien Phu Historical Victory Museum (Dien Bien province). The painting is painted in oil, 132m long, 20.5m high, 42m in diameter, with a total area of 3,225m2. This is also the first circular painting in Vietnam, the largest in Southeast Asia, the 3rd largest painting in the world , completed on the occasion of the 68th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory (2022). More specifically, the people The "chief architect" of this unique work of art is painter Nguyen Van Mac, a native of Hung Yen .

Painter Nguyen Van Mac was born in 1954, from Phu Da residential group, Ban Yen Nhan ward (My Hao town). With an innate artistic talent, Mr. Mac has had a passion for painting since he was a child. Through research, study, and improvement of knowledge about culture, art, and history, he has created many famous works and projects that have won awards in competitions for composing monuments and cultural works. He was also the person who presided over the design and construction of the display system of the Dien Bien Phu Historical Victory Museum in 2014. Mr. Nguyen Van Mac was moved to say: When I came and worked in Dien Bien, I felt more deeply the great stature and significance of the Dien Bien Phu victory "Resounding in five continents, shaking the world" not only for the history of the country but also as a turning point in world history. That was the inspiration, the source of creativity that urged me to choose and determined to create a monumental painting - the panoramic painting "Dien Bien Phu Campaign".

Painter Nguyen Van Mac (left), the person in charge of making the Panorama painting "Dien Bien Phu Campaign"

To complete this monumental work, artist Nguyen Van Mac and his colleagues, including researchers in the fields of history, military, fine arts, writers, journalists, screenwriters, film directors, sculptors with expertise and experience, have diligently researched and collected historical documents at the National Library of Vietnam, National Archives Centers, Vietnam Military History Museum, and Dien Bien Phu Historical Victory Museum. Artist Nguyen Van Mac added: We also went to many places, met veterans, visited many families whose relatives were martyrs who died in the Dien Bien Phu Campaign to collect information, images... Especially portraits of veterans who participated in the campaign and portraits of heroic martyrs who died on the front line. Therefore, most of the portraits of Dien Bien Phu soldiers appearing in this work are real portraits. After that, the organization of writing the outline of the painting's content was carried out from 2014 to 2017. In 2018, the plan to make the painting was approved. In November 2019, the first strokes were made on the 2nd floor of the Dien Bien Phu Historical Victory Museum with the participation of nearly 200 talented young painters and sculptors from all over the country. During the painting process, Mr. Mac always followed the group of painters closely, editing every small detail to ensure that the author's ideas and appropriate historical content were most accurately expressed.

After more than 2 years of hard work, the painting with more than 4,500 characters and the majestic Northwest mountains and forests were recreated realistically and vividly. The painting consists of 4 sections: Section 1 - "The whole people go to battle" recreates the heroic spirit of our soldiers and people with each group of porters serving the battlefield, the army corps pulling artillery into the battlefield. Section 2 - "The majestic prelude" with the highlight being the opening battles of the campaign such as the battles at Him Lam, Doc Lap, Ban Keo with the participation of our artillery firepower suppressing and destroying the enemy's artillery positions and the scene of our soldiers heroically fighting the enemy in the fortifications. Section 3 - "The historic confrontation" with the center being the image of the explosives exploding on Hill A1 and our soldiers encircling and attacking like a storm across the battlefield. Section 4 - "The Triumphal Song of Victory" with the image of the "Determined to Fight, Determined to Win" flag flying on the roof of General De Castries' bunker and a group of French prisoners surrendering. The stages of the campaign are shown continuously, combined with raised blocks and many war objects arranged reasonably, creating a majestic space, making a strong impression not only visually but also aesthetically. More specifically, when viewing the painting, visitors will learn about which section, that section will light up with the sounds of gunfire, airplanes, the joy of victory... Images, lights, and music blend together to bring many emotions, bringing visitors back to the glorious, heroic memories of the nation.

Ms. Vu Thi Tuyet Nga, Director of the Dien Bien Phu Historical Victory Museum, said: The Panorama painting “Dien Bien Phu Campaign” is a magnificent, unique, impressive work of art, a valuable masterpiece of the Dien Bien Phu Historical Victory Museum. The painting is like a tribute to the heroes and martyrs who fought bravely for the independence and freedom of the nation. Most people who came to see it felt moved and proud. Many veterans even cried when they saw this painting.

Painter Nguyen Van Mac shared: The painting not only helps viewers appreciate pure art but also conveys a message about the Vietnamese people's desire for peace, helping us understand more about the sacrifices and hardships of soldiers in the Dien Bien Phu battle 70 years ago. This is also a red address to educate revolutionary traditions, patriotism, and national pride for today's and future generations.

Le Hieu

Source