Special gift from General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong to President Putin

Light sculpture performance "Great Russia" by artist Bui Van Tu - Video: NVCC

A gift for President Putin

On the evening of June 20, after a friendly exchange with leaders of the Vietnam - Russia Friendship Association and generations of former Vietnamese students in Russia, President To Lam and Russian President Vladimir Putin and guests enjoyed an art program to welcome the Russian leader's visit.

Impressive is the performance of the light sculpture called "Great Russia" by artist Bui Van Tu.

The State Protocol Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed to Tuoi Tre Online that this art performance was a gift from General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong for Russian President Vladimir Putin to enjoy.

On behalf of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, President To Lam presented President Putin with a performance depicting the Russian leader's portrait created using sculpture and light.

The work features the image of a horse neighing majestically under the canopy of a birch forest - the symbolic tree of Russia.

"The material I used was driftwood, because it is the hardest part of the trees left over time. The birch forest, with its small trees and giant trees, represents the journey of a person's life.

The image of a horse represents strength, steadfastness and freedom, while also symbolizing nobility and loyalty," the 9X artist explained.

President To Lam and Russian President Vladimir Putin and delegates enjoy an art performance at the event - Photo: VNA

As the light shines on the work, the shadows of the birch forest blend together to form an image of Russian President Vladimir Putin in his youth.

In particular, when the birch tree is rotated and the light shines at the right angle, the image of the young man appears as a portrait of the current Mr. Putin - the person who has contributed to building Russia's position in the international arena.

According to Mr. Tu, this story reminds us of Uncle Ho's teaching: "For the benefit of ten years, we must plant trees. For the benefit of a hundred years, we must educate people."

This gift shows respect and aspiration to strengthen good relations, demonstrating cultural exchange and lasting friendship between Vietnam and Russia.

The applause was unceasing throughout the Hanoi Opera House. In the video provided by the artist, Russian President Vladimir Putin can be seen clapping and smiling from the second floor of the auditorium, expressing his delight at this special gift.

Prepare in 3 months

Sharing with Tuoi Tre Online on the sidelines of the event, artisan Bui Van Tu said he was extremely moved and proud when this light sculpture performance was chosen by General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong as a diplomatic gift for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"It is a source of pride but also a great deal of pressure for me" - artist Bui Van Tu shared and revealed that he had prepared the work for about 3 months.

Talking about the deep inspiration for the work, he said: "I myself have never been to Russia, but the melodies, literary and artistic stories of Russia have always moved and thrilled me since I was a child. That is the inspiration for me to compose a work about the land of birch trees."

Artist Bui Van Tu learned many stories about President Putin's life while creating the work. Those stories also gave him a lot of motivation.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/mon-qua-dac-biet-cua-tong-bi-thu-nguyen-phu-trong-tang-tong-thong-putin-20240621000352724.htm