The workshop was organized to evaluate and honor the contributions of painter Xu Man to the art scene of Gia Lai in particular and Vietnam in general, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of his birth (1925-2025). Discussions at the workshop also addressed the current state of collecting, introducing, and researching the artistic heritage of painter Xu Man; and suggested directions for preserving and promoting the artistic value of this talented artist.
"Sacred Child of the Forest"
Citing the novel "The Sacred Child of the Forest," written by author Trung Trung Đỉnh and inspired by the life and career of painter Xu Man, Professor-Doctor and sculptor Nguyen Xuan Tien, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Association, shared his deep affection for the artist of the mountains and forests at the conference.
Artist Xu Man was born in 1925 in De Kral village (now Plei Bong, Ayun commune, Gia Lai province) into a poor Bahnar family. Before 1954, he and his entire family worked as servants for the village chief, living in poverty, and his parents died early. In 1954, artist Xu Man became enlightened and joined the revolution.
From the 1960s, after returning to the South, he participated in combat and worked in various units in the Central Highlands. Later, he was sent to Hanoi to study painting at the Vietnam Fine Arts School (now the Vietnam University of Fine Arts). During this time, he had the honor of meeting President Ho Chi Minh, and the image and teachings of President Ho Chi Minh became a great and inexhaustible source of inspiration in his later works.
Professor and sculptor Nguyen Xuan Tien commented: Xu Man's paintings stand out with their epic quality, rich cultural identity of the Bahnar ethnic group, and the feelings and aspirations of the people of the Central Highlands.
His works, created using various materials such as oil paint, lacquer, and pigments, often depict community life, village activities, and the indomitable spirit in battle. He painted thousands of pictures of the Central Highlands, especially images of President Ho Chi Minh with the people of the Central Highlands, including famous works such as: "President Ho Chi Minh and his love for the Central Highlands," "President Ho Chi Minh and the Central Highlands," "Festival in the Central Highlands," and "Sunrise over the mountains and forests of the Central Highlands"...
For his significant contributions, artist Xu Man was awarded many prestigious prizes, most notably the A prize at the National Fine Arts Exhibition in 1976 and 1980. He was also the first artist from the Central Highlands to receive the State Prize for Literature and Arts in the field of fine arts. In addition, artist Xu Man was a member of the Executive Committee of the Vietnam Fine Arts Association, 2nd term; and Vice President of the Gia Lai Literature and Arts Association, 1st term.
His paintings are currently preserved and displayed in many major museums, including the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum, and several local museums, and are also present in many private collections both domestically and internationally. "The influence of the epic poems of the Central Highlands in his works has made a significant contribution to the diverse identity of modern Vietnamese art," commented the Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Association.
Speaking at the workshop, Mr. Nguyen Hoang Long (Vietnam Fine Arts Museum) informed: Currently, the Museum is preserving 16 works by the painter Xu Man. Considering the works as a whole, one can see consistency in his unique artistic language. Accordingly, the shapes and lines in his paintings are often simplified, tending towards symbolism and representation; the colors are muted and bold, combining high contrast but blending harmoniously. The compositions in his paintings are largely communal, emphasizing collective rhythm; an epic spirit pervades throughout, blending historical memory, culture, and the spirit of the people.
Analyzing some of the representative works of the artist, considered the "leading figure of Central Highlands art," particularly those on the theme of President Ho Chi Minh, Master's student Nguyen Hoang Long affirmed that these are "pages of memories imbued with the artist's personal feelings, while also expressing the affection of the Central Highlands people for Uncle Ho. He places Uncle Ho within the communal space of the communal house, the vast forest, and amidst the joyful embrace of the people. The work has transformed the author's personal reverence into a moment of encounter between national ideals and local identity."
Proposing solutions for preservation and promotion.
Speaking about the only artwork by painter Xu Man currently preserved and displayed at the Museum of Military Region 5 (Da Nang), Lieutenant Colonel, Master of Science Tran Thi Anh Thu - Director of the Museum, said: In 1978, the Museum's construction began. Due to the modest number of artifacts, images, and documents collected at that time, the Museum's Board of Directors proactively advised Military Region 5 to launch the "Campaign to create paintings and sculptures on the theme of the armed forces and revolutionary war on the battlefield of Military Region 5". The campaign quickly spread, attracting the participation and support of a large number of artists inside and outside the military, including painter Xu Man.
Driven by a deep love for his homeland, in 1980, artist Xu Man meticulously crafted each brushstroke to complete a painting of exceptional value, with the theme: "The people of the Central Highlands rising up to seize power during the August Revolution of 1945" (oil on canvas, size 1.85 x 0.75 m).
In 1982, he donated this work to the Museum of Military Region 5. The painting recounts a vivid, authentic, and emotional historical story, thereby recreating the fervent revolutionary spirit and the powerful uprising of the people of the Central Highlands during those historic autumn days.
Recognizing that the works of artist Xu Man are "silent lessons" that help nurture patriotism, awaken national pride, and instill a sense of responsibility in each individual, especially today's young generation, Lieutenant Colonel, Master of Science Tran Thi Anh Thu proposed spreading the value of his artistic heritage by establishing "History Lessons Through Painting"; holding traveling exhibitions of Xu Man's paintings in schools and localities in the Central Highlands; and digitizing the paintings and distributing them on digital platforms to increase the propaganda effect.
Sharing his experience at the workshop about the good fortune of being a student of artist Xu Man and having watched him paint in his stilt house in Plei Bong, artist Siu Quy, Permanent Vice President of the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Association, was deeply moved. He also expressed his joy that in June 2025, artist Xu Man's house in Plei Bong was officially classified as a provincial-level historical site by the Gia Lai Provincial People's Committee.
To help the younger generation and the public better understand the immense contributions of artist Xu Man, the Standing Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Association proposed naming the section of road from the intersection with National Highway 19 to Plei Bong after Xu Man. He also pointed out the advantages of this location in connecting and promoting traditional cultural identity to develop tourism and improve the spiritual and material lives of local people. Specifically, this would facilitate the development of related services such as: sightseeing, accommodation, experiencing local cuisine, and selling souvenirs…
Specifically for the residence of artist Xu Man, the living and working environment of the artist should be recreated, complete with a fireplace, painting corner, and traditional Bahnar household items. In addition, reproductions of some of his typical paintings should be displayed, along with a truthful and beautiful explanation of the life and artistic career of artist Xu Man.
Attending the workshop, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Le Thi Thu Huong expressed her gratitude for the heartfelt suggestions and contributions from the delegates. The Deputy Director affirmed that the suggestions would be considered and studied, focusing on implementation for matters within the Department's authority; for matters exceeding its authority, guidance from the provincial government would be sought.
Ms. Huong also suggested that research should be conducted to include content about the life and career of painter Xu Man in local education programs to spread the image of "the leading figure of Central Highlands art".
Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/mo-loi-bao-ton-phat-huy-di-san-nghe-thuat-cua-hoa-si-xu-man-post572400.html
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