Preserving the 'soul of Vietnamese writing'

Báo Long An•15/06/2023

One day in early June, we had the opportunity to attend the opening ceremony of a Vietnamese calligraphy class organized by the Thuan Viet Calligraphy Club of Tan Tru District, Long An Province, in collaboration with the People's Committee of Lac Tan Commune. Thirty students of various ages participated. This was not only a place for people with the same passion to meet, hone their skills, and share experiences, but also a place to guide and assist those new to the art of calligraphy.

“This is the second year that Tan Tru district has organized a Vietnamese calligraphy class to inspire and spread the passion for Vietnamese calligraphy art and create a beneficial playground for those who love this art form in the district. Through calligraphy, the writer expresses their thoughts and inner feelings, and helps them cultivate perseverance, carefulness, meticulousness, and contemplation of life's philosophy.”

At the same time, through the calligraphy course, we contribute to implementing the 2023 theme on studying and following the thoughts, ethics, and style of Ho Chi Minh, with the content "Studying and following the thoughts, ethics, and style of Ho Chi Minh in building and developing the culture and people of Long An" - said Tran Van Doc, former Standing Deputy Secretary of the Tan Tru District Party Committee and Chairman of the Thuan Viet Calligraphy Club of the district.

Calligraphy - continuing and preserving the "soul of Vietnamese writing"

Despite his advanced age, artisan Huynh Trieu, the head of the Vietnamese Calligraphy Club of Long An province, still yearns to preserve the cultural beauty inherited from his ancestors. On weekends, he diligently "breathes life" into calligraphy for those who appreciate the art of writing with a brush, hoping to contribute to the cultural diversity of Long An province and its people. He and the members of the Vietnamese Calligraphy Club have played a key role in pioneering the art of calligraphy in Tan Tru district, guiding and instructing 12 students in the district's first calligraphy class on various calligraphic styles, basic writing techniques, presentation methods, and creative writing. His ambition is for people from cities to rural areas to appreciate this cultural art form of Vietnamese calligraphy.

Mr. Huynh Trieu said: "Pursuing calligraphy requires certain qualities, from talent and patience to continuous practice and creativity. Currently, many young people are studying and developing this art form. Vietnamese calligraphy is being well-received by many people because of its approachable, easy-to-read, and easy-to-understand style, along with the desire to beautify the national script and preserve the purity of the Vietnamese language."

Mr. Tran Van Doc added: "The content of Vietnamese calligraphy often includes folk songs, proverbs, teachings of famous people, and lyrical poems... Each Vietnamese calligraphy artwork is created depending on the emotions, thoughts, and inner feelings of the writer. Sometimes it's a calligraphic painting with a gentle and graceful tone, but other times it's a magical, ethereal picture... making viewers feel as if they are lost in a world of profound and tranquil art."

Today, calligraphy has become a profession, and calligraphic styles have developed extensively. Each individual brings their own unique touch, making it an enjoyable pastime for all ages. Student Duong Ngoc Nhut shared: “Calligraphy is a healthy cultural form, rich in artistic value, so I am very happy to be enrolled and register for the class. Learning and writing calligraphy is not difficult, but creating a beautiful set of calligraphy is not easy; it requires diligent practice, talent, and the soul of the writer. I will actively study with the help and guidance of the teachers in charge of the class, completing the course with passion for this art form.”

In Vietnamese calligraphy, giving the gift of art to a recipient who cherishes it contributes to spreading the traditional cultural values of the nation. Beyond understanding the meaning and appreciating the beauty in each character, practicing calligraphy helps the writer find balance in modern life, through the harmony between brushstrokes and soul. Simultaneously, it breathes life into the words, thereby honoring the value of the Vietnamese language.

Thanh My

Source link