Sculptor Truong Cong Thanh and his lifetime works

In the house of sculptor Truong Cong Thanh on Phan Dinh Phung Street, Ninh Kieu Ward, Can Tho City, there is a space for displaying his beautiful sculptures. Not only that, many people must have admired his historical artworks somewhere in Can Tho, but did not know that he was the author...

The Ong Hao Victory Monument in Truong Long commune stands out with its majestic and imposing cluster of relief sculptures. The harmoniously sculpted monument highlights the significance of the victory, while the reliefs recount the events, particularly the details of the enemy's bombing raids that destroyed the terrain and the Ong Hao Catholic Church, killing 121 innocent people, including 112 parishioners. The battle resulted in the annihilation of 889 enemy soldiers, the elimination of the notorious "Black Tiger" battalion, the shooting down of one aircraft, and the capture of numerous war spoils. Despite all these events and details, the artist has selected the most impactful and moving stories, retelling them against the backdrop of the Phong Dien countryside. The artwork, carved into stone, will be preserved for posterity.

The author of that work is the sculptor Truong Cong Thanh. Another of his works is the Ong Cuu Victory Monument in Cai Rang ward. The monument, with its majestic and heroic spirit, reflects the victory of the Tay Do Battalion in the war against the Americans at Ong Cuu canal.

Sculptor Truong Cong Thanh stands beside his sculpture exhibition space.

While there are no precise statistics, sculptor Truong Cong Thanh is likely one of the leading sculptors of large-scale historical monuments and reliefs in the country today. Notable examples include the Monument in the shape of a boat with sails unfurled, marking the location of the event welcoming over 1,800 former political prisoners from Con Dao Island back after the successful August Revolution in September 1945 in Dai Ngai commune; the relief commemorating the massacre of innocent civilians by the US imperialists at Cau Nhiem in 1966 in Phong Dien commune; the Monument commemorating the establishment of the National Liberation Front Committee of Southern Vietnam in Can Tho province in Thanh Xuan commune; the Le Binh Battle Monument in Cai Rang ward; the Chay Dap Victory Monument in Thanh Hoa commune; and the monuments to heroes Thieu Van Choi, Luu Huu Phuoc, and Chau Van Liem… Currently, all these works are located in Can Tho City. In addition, there are many monuments and memorial plaques created by sculptor Truong Cong Thanh in the eastern and southwestern provinces of Vietnam, displayed in museums and exhibition halls. At the thematic exhibition on 50 years of literary and artistic achievements in Can Tho, held in April 2025, the Can Tho City Museum dedicated a prominent space to introduce the manuscripts of his works.

Sculptor Truong Cong Thanh, now 74 years old, was born and raised in the heart of Can Tho City. After passing his high school exams, at the suggestion of his sister, who saw his talent for painting, he enrolled in and passed the entrance exam to Gia Dinh School of Painting, a prestigious school at the time, the predecessor of the Ho Chi Minh City University of Fine Arts today. At that school, after the initial years of basic studies, he chose sculpture as his specialization, mentored by renowned teachers. After seven years of study, he graduated and taught at Dong Nai College of Decorative Arts, also a prestigious school in the field of fine arts. After about nine years of teaching, he moved to Can Tho to live, lecture at several schools, and dedicate himself to sculpting.

Speaking about creating monumental sculptures and reliefs, sculptor Truong Cong Thanh said that first and foremost, one must understand the historical context, events, and stories from various sources such as historical witnesses, documents, and real-life experiences. Then, he sketches the composition and content on paper and gradually carries out the sculpting. The important thing when sculpting or creating reliefs is the proportion of the human body, the posture, and the emotions in each detail, such as the eyes, smile, seriousness, and hand and foot movements. “For example, I hear many details and stories about a victorious battle; I listen and record everything. At home, I filter and select the most impactful, moving, and important details… and then I sketch them,” sculptor Truong Cong Thanh recounted.

At the Central Committee Headquarters of the Southern Region National Special Historical Site (Tay Ninh province), there are two Victory Monuments: one for the Can Tho City Police (completed in 2010) and one for the Hau Giang Provincial Police (formerly, completed in 1998), both created and constructed by sculptor Truong Cong Thanh. Colonel Nguyen Thanh Phong (currently Vice Chairman of the Association of Former Police Officers of Can Tho City), who worked alongside sculptor Truong Cong Thanh on both projects, each spanning many months, was impressed by his meticulousness, diligence, willingness to listen to the team, and seriousness in his work. His works were meticulously crafted, and upon completion, everyone highly praised them in many aspects.

Having worked in the profession for nearly half a century, sculptor Truong Cong Thanh has left behind many valuable works, both in terms of art and history. Looking at his works, today's generation feels even more proud of the national traditions and understands more about the history of their homeland.

Text and photos: DANG HUYNH

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/nha-dieu-khac-truong-cong-thanh-va-nhung-tac-pham-de-doi-a190660.html