In the atmosphere of the whole country celebrating the 100th anniversary of Vietnam Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925 - June 21, 2025), a special book project titled "Southwestern Resistance - History through the lens (1945-1975)" chaired by the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists (VAPA) and Mekong Delta Photography, has just been introduced to readers. On this occasion, Can Tho Newspaper reporters interviewed VAPA Tran Thi Thu Dong, Vice President of the Vietnam Union of Literature and Arts Associations, President of the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists.
* Reporter: First of all, could you please share a few things about the idea and process of making the photo book "Southwestern Resistance - History through the lens (1945-1975)"?
Artist Tran Thi Thu Dong: The photo book “Southwestern Resistance - History through the lens (1945-1975)” was born from the passion of senior artists, who were closely attached to the land and people of the Southwest during the arduous years of resistance. They always wondered how to preserve and pass on to future generations the precious images and heroic evidence of a period of national history. To realize that idea, the Editorial Board spent more than a year collecting, processing, comparing and scientifically annotating thousands of photos. This is an elaborate process, requiring meticulousness, carefulness and high responsibility, because each photo is not only a work of art, but also a priceless historical document. We hope that the book will be a miniature historical museum, a precious cultural heritage, contributingto educating patriotism and revolutionary traditions for the younger generation.
Book “Southwestern Resistance - History through the lens (1945-1975)”. Photo: DUY KHOI
* Reporter: Please tell us your feelings about this book?
NSNA Tran Thi Thu Dong: As a child of the river delta region, growing up with folk songs, "Da co hoai lang" songs imbued with love for the land and people, I was deeply moved when I saw the images in this book. Turning each page, I felt like I was reliving the heroic and tragic years of the nation. The black and white photos are not dry historical documents, but living witnesses, the most authentic voice of a difficult but also extremely glorious period of the army and people of the Southwest.
I deeply respect and admire the photographers and war reporters who did not hesitate to face difficulties, hardships, and even sacrificed their lives to record precious historical moments. In the fierce conditions of war, with limited equipment, they always maintained their passion, sense of responsibility, and bravely charged into the midst of bullets, bombs, and smoke to record the most authentic images of the resistance war. Their photos not only reflected the reality of war but also touched hearts, aroused patriotism, solidarity, and fighting spirit of our army and people.
Many of these works have been honored with noble awards such as the Ho Chi Minh Prize and the State Prize for Literature and Arts. This further affirms the great artistic and historical value of these photos. The book is a profound tribute to the outstanding children of the West who fell for the independence and freedom of the Fatherland. At the same time, I believe that the images in the book will have a strong impact on today's young generation, helping them better understand the history of the nation, appreciate the sacrifices of their ancestors and strive to build an increasingly prosperous country.
* Reporter: Up to now, many artists from the Southwest who grew up during the two resistance wars have been honored with the Ho Chi Minh Prize and the State Prize for Literature and Arts. What plans does the Vietnam Association of Artists have to support and honor other veteran artists, madam?
Artist Tran Thi Thu Dong: The Vietnam Association of Artists always remembers and deeply appreciates the great contributions and sacrifices of veteran artists, especially the outstanding children of the Southwest homeland who grew up from the two great wars of national salvation. We understand that their works are not only valuable artistic heritages, bearing strong personal imprints and genuine emotions, but also invaluable historical documents, contributing to recreating and preserving the heroic and tragic history of the nation. Those photos are vivid evidence of the patriotism, bravery, resilience and indomitability of the army and people of the Southwest.
Over the past time, the Association has implemented many practical activities to support and honor veteran photographers. We organize exhibitions, exchanges, and discussions to introduce and honor their works, helping the public better understand the artistic and historical value of the photos. In addition, the Association also publishes publications and photo books to preserve and promote these valuable photographic heritages to the public, especially the younger generation.
In particular, one of the most important activities, with the most noble meaning of recognition and honor, is to propose the awarding of noble State awards, such as the Ho Chi Minh Award, the State Award for Literature and Arts, to artists who have made outstanding contributions to the country's photography and to the nation's revolutionary cause.
In the coming time, the Association will continue to promote these activities, and at the same time seek other suitable forms of honor, perhaps activities with a deeper gratitude, to express gratitude to the artists who have devoted their lives to the career of photography and to the country. We believe that honoring veteran photographers is not only the responsibility of the Association, but also the responsibility of the whole community, so that future generations will always remember the contributions of those who contributed to making history through the moments recorded through the lens.
* Reporter: What is your opinion about photography in the Mekong Delta today? How have young artists succeeded the older generations of photographers in the context of developing digital technology?
Artist Tran Thi Thu Dong: I highly appreciate the development of photography in the Mekong Delta today. Photographers in the region have done a lot of research and creativity, creating works of artistic value and profound content, vividly reflecting the economic, cultural and social life of the land and people here.
In the context of digital technology development, young artists have quickly approached and mastered new equipment and techniques, creating diverse and rich photographic works in form and genre. Many young people have achieved encouraging results in domestic and international photography competitions and exhibitions.
However, in addition to the achievements, Mekong Delta photography is also facing significant challenges. The rapid development of digital technology makes it increasingly difficult to create unique, personal photographic works. Some young artists still lack investment in depth of content, and do not pay attention to understanding the history and culture of the nation.
I hope that young photographers in the Mekong Delta will continue to promote the fine traditions of previous generations, constantly learn and innovate to create works of high ideological and artistic value, contributing to the development of Vietnamese photography.
* Reporter: Thank you for giving Can Tho Newspaper this interview!
DANG HUYNH (performed)
Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/nhung-buc-anh-khong-chi-phan-anh-hien-thuc-chien-tranh-ma-con-cham-den-trai-tim-khoi-day-long-yeu-n-a187668.html
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