 |
| Mr. Ho Dang Thanh Ngoc, Chairman of Hue Union of Literature and Arts Associations |
In an interview with Hue Today Weekly, Mr. Ho Dang Thanh Ngoc, Chairman of the Union, shared: During the resistance wars, Hue’s artists turned literature and art into weapons. Revolutionary poems, songs, propaganda posters, and plays in the war zones became a spiritual force encouraging the people. Particularly in the Hue urban movement before 1975, the role of artists was even clearer: the music of Trinh Cong Son, the paintings of Buu Chi, the poetry and acts of resistance by Ngo Kha, Tran Quang Long, and others turned art into a flame that nurtured patriotism and stirred the conscience of society, especially the youth.
Entering the era of peace, the Union continued its organizational role, creating an environment for artistic creation. Song Huong Magazine became a vital forum, gathering major writers such as Hoang Phu Ngoc Tuong, the author of “Ai da dat ten cho dong song” (Who Named the River); Nguyen Khoa Diem, the author of “Dat Nuoc” (The Nation); along with works from many other generations. These creations transcended Hue, becoming part of the shared spiritual heritage of Vietnamese culture.
Looking back, it can be confirmed that the Union’s role has not been confined to local boundaries but has contributed to shaping the core values of the nation’s cultural and spiritual life.
Over the historical periods, what are the most significant imprints left on Hue’s literary and artistic life?
We can divide them into four clear stages: 1945 – 1954: Immediately after the August Revolution, Thua Thien National Salvation Cultural Association was founded. Resistance songs, anti-invader poetry, and propaganda posters appeared widely. This was the period of confirming that literature and art were not outside history but part of the resistance itself.
1954 – 1975: Hue’s literature and arts became a force in the urban struggle movement. Hue was regarded as the “capital of anti-war movements” with the works of Buu Chi, Trinh Cong Son, Ngo Kha, Nguyen Phu Yen, and others. In the battle zones, the works of Tran Hoan, Nguyen Khoa Diem… strongly voiced the alignment of art with the revolution.
1975 – 1989: After reunification, Hue’s artistic community expanded with three streams: those returning from the war zones, those coming from the North, and the local contingent. This was a period of a powerful artistic team that created a vibrant cultural life. Song Huong Magazine emerged, affirming Hue as a literary and artistic center with its own identity.
From 1989 to the present: The organizational structure has grown stronger, professional associations have flourished, and many Hue artists have won major national and international awards. Fine arts, photography, theatre, literature, and music in Hue have each established their voices, participating in Hue Festival and many international exchanges. A new generation of young authors has also emerged, exploring new styles and ways of thinking.
 |
| Photographer Tran Thi Thu Dong - Chairwoman of Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists and Mr. Phan Ngoc Tho - former Standing Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee visiting the Hanoi – Hue – Ho Chi Minh City exhibition themed “Spring Colors of the Three Regions”. |
What notable achievements has the Union gained in recent years?
It can be said that the Union’s most outstanding achievement is that it has maintained and reaffirmed Hue as one of the country’s cultural and artistic centers. Song Huong Magazine continues as an open forum, gathering many young writers alongside established authors. Many works by Hue artists have won national and regional literature and arts awards.
In addition, specialized associations have been active. The Fine Arts, Photography, Architecture, Theater, and Music Associations all organize exhibitions, festivals, and performances that leave distinctive marks. Many Hue photographers have won international awards; painters have joined prestigious exhibitions; and stage and music artists have contributed to the uniqueness of Hue Festival.
Another achievement is the formation of a generation of young authors who explore contemporary themes with fresh perspectives. They represent the “new vitality” of Hue’s arts today.
In your view, what has created the distinct identity of Hue’s artists, allowing them to maintain a special position under any circumstances?
If there is one defining feature, it is meditation and contemplation. Hue’s artists are neither loud nor showy. They let their works gradually permeate the hearts of people. Poetry, music, painting, and photography all carry a slow rhythm, deeply connected to the land’s nature and culture. The Perfume River, Mount Ngu, pagoda bells, and Hue’s gardens are not just backdrops but integral to the works themselves.
At the same time, Hue’s artists are never complacent. Though living in quietness, they have always dared to raise their voices against injustice and stand by humanity. From Ngo Kha, Trinh Cong Son, and Tran Quang Long to Buu Chi, their works are imbued with humanism and a longing for freedom and independence. In Hue’s artistic creations, one always senses a refined, fragile yet resilient beauty. It is a mindset that preserves Hue’s memory, where every word, melody, and brushstroke becomes part of the soul of this land.
On the occasion of the Union’s 80th anniversary, what are your hopes for Hue’s artists in the years ahead?
Today, Hue’s artists are truly cultural ambassadors. They not only carry forward traditions but also help enrich and spread Hue’s values throughout the country and the world.
I hope that the artistic community, especially the younger generation, will maintain their passion, dedication, and creative aspirations. In a time when reading and audiovisual culture are under heavy market pressures, artistic labor must be more persevering, profound, and compassionate than ever. The greatest happiness of an artist is to live and create in one’s homeland, a land long hailed as the cradle of poetry, music, painting, and art. I believe that Hue’s academic, cultural exchange, and creative environment will continue to produce unique works of lasting value.
Looking ahead, what issues should Hue’s artists focus on to overcome the challenges of real life?
Hue’s literature and arts face many challenges. Market pressures and the entertainment industry have drawn public attention, especially among young people, away from literature and traditional arts. The gap between the public and high art is widening, requiring artists to find a balance between responding to tastes and preserving spiritual values.
To overcome this, I believe Hue’s artists must remain steadfast in their mission to accompany the nation, stay close to the people, integrate without being assimilated. Digital technology should be leveraged as a tool for creation and promotion, not seen as a threat. Particularly, the younger generation, well-trained and exposed to contemporary literature and arts, must engage and create to meet the public’s growing expectations.
In this new chapter, Hue still faces many difficulties, but I believe that with their identity and social responsibility already confirmed, Hue’s artists have the courage to both preserve the national essence and integrate into the global cultural flow.
Eighty years is a long journey, enough to witness the maturity and contributions of Hue’s artists to national history. More importantly, this 80-year milestone opens a new beginning - where the “new vitality” of Hue’s artists will continue to shine, accompanying the nation on a journey of creation and serving.
Thank you very much!