'Xo Viet Nghe Tinh' - A lacquer poem about the power of the masses
In the flow of Vietnamese art history, there are works that are not only artistic creations but also immortal milestones recording the heroic history of the nation.
Lacquer painting"Soviet Nghe Tinh"is such a masterpiece. It is not just a painting, but a vibrant epic, written with colors and shapes, praising the strength of the masses and the indomitable revolutionary spirit.
The flow of history and the source of inspiration
In 1930-1931, the revolutionary fire flared up fiercely in the two provinces of Nghe An and Ha Tinh, where the first Soviet government of workers and peasants was formed. Despite being brutally suppressed, this movement became a symbol, an immortal source, pushing the entire Vietnamese revolutionary movement forward, and eventually leading to the glorious victory of the August Revolution in 1945.
Understanding the great historical value, in 1957, on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Russian October Revolution, President Ho Chi Minh directly assigned the Vietnam Fine Arts Association to create a large painting about the Nghe Tinh Soviet movement. He not only approved the sketch but also agreed to use traditional lacquer material, a delicate choice, turning the work into a wonderful harmony between national history and the quintessence of Vietnamese fine arts.
To carry out this historic mission, six talented artists, "warriors on the cultural front" as instructed by Uncle Ho, joined hands to create: Nguyen Duc Nung, Nguyen Van Ty, Pham Van Don, Nguyen Sy Ngoc, Tran Dinh Tho, and Huynh Van Thuan. They were all painters who graduated from the Indochina College of Fine Arts and devoted their creative lives to the revolutionary cause.
In order to recreate the scene in the most realistic and vivid way, the group of artists went all the way to Nam Dan, Nghe An - which used to be the "red address" of the Soviet movement. Hundreds of sketches of human figures, costumes, space, architecture... were carefully selected and researched. From there, a grand composition with hundreds of characters was built, all moving in a single direction: forward. This composition created a seething atmosphere, filled with the fire of struggle, making viewers feel the intense beat of history.
Uncle Ho's preface and eternal historical value
On February 3, 1964, at the Presidential Palace, President Ho Chi Minh signed the preface for the Nghe Tinh Soviet Museum, affirming:“The Nghe Tinh Soviet was the first revolutionary government of workers and peasants… the glorious tradition of the Nghe Tinh Soviet promoted the revolutionary movement throughout the country and led to the brilliant success of the August Revolution…”.
Uncle Ho's preface is not only a recognition but also a guideline, affirming the great role and significance of the movement."Soviet Nghe Tinh"was born in that historical context, carrying the mission of recreating and conveying profound historical values:
Uncle Ho's direct guidance:The painting was commissioned and sketched by Uncle Ho, showing its importance in the political and cultural context of the country.
Pioneer in revolutionary paintings:From the success of this work, a unique type of revolutionary historical painting of Vietnam was established. Unlike many countries, this type of painting does not focus on a heroic individual but takes the masses as the subject, emphasizing the power of solidarity and collective spirit.
Historical authenticity:The painting is not only imaginary but also based on authentic historical documents, from the landscape of Nam Dan district, the detail of the district magistrate signing the prisoner release minutes, to the banners with historical slogans.
To create a work of depth, the group of artists worked seriously and persistently. Hundreds of sketches and sketches were made, studying each figure, each expression, each costume. They not only recreated but also"use a lot of imagination to build the character", as recorded by painter Nguyen Van Ty.
The composition of the painting is a masterpiece, with hundreds of figures intertwined, but not at all confusing. Each raised arm, each gaze looking forward, creates a strong, unified flow of movement. This is the result of a skillful arrangement, where each detail is closely linked to the architectural context and historical features.
One of the most valuable details is the image of the drum placed in the foreground. The sound of the Soviet drum in the past was not only a rallying call but also the "soul" of the struggle movement, recreated as a cultural and historical symbol. That drum sound, now, not only echoes in memory but also comes alive in the work, inspiring and bringing pride to the viewer.
"Soviet Nghe Tinh"is not just a painting, but an artistic and historical heritage. It records the tragic history of the nation, and at the same time demonstrates the role of fine arts in the revolutionary cause. Two versions of the work are still solemnly displayed at the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum (Hanoi) and the Soviet Nghe Tinh Museum (Nghe An), becoming a bridge between the past and the present.
In particular, 2025 is a special milestone, when the whole country will turn to Nghe An with important events.Celebrating 995 years of Nghe An's name, and 95 years of Nghe Tinh SovietThese events further highlighted the historical and cultural value of the Soviet movement, and once again affirmed the painting's position in the hearts of the Vietnamese people.
Every time standing in front of the work, viewers not only admire a great painting, but also feel the strength of the masses, the immortal flame of struggle, and pride in tradition.Soviet Nghe Tinh– the leading flag of the Vietnamese revolutionary movement in the 20th century. The painting not only tells the story of the past, but also inspires the present and the future, reminding us of the value of freedom, independence and the great power of solidarity.
