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| Nguyen Huy Thiep’s portrait and quotations on ceramic artworks |
More than 40 artists from all over the country with all their affection and empathy for Nguyen Huy Thiep have created over 100 ceramic artworks. After being exhibited in various places, those works made their way to Hue City at Lan Viên Co Tich (94-96-98 Bach Dang Str., Phu Xuan Ward) in early July.
Upon stepping into this cultural space, visitors are immediately captivated by plates, vases, and other items under the name "Thiep Ceramics", decorated with lines from his classic books such as Tuong ve huu (The Retired General), Muoi cua rung (Salt of the Wood), Thuong nho dong que (Missing the Countryside), Sang song (Crossing the River), Kiem sac (Sharp Sword), Pham tiet (Virtue), etc. His short stories, which have been cherished by literature lovers, are now being featured in an original way through the art of ceramics.
Those who love Nguyen Huy Thiep's literature can’t help but feel moved upon entering the exhibition room. As they walk past the ceramic artworks, it is as if his books were turned again with admiration. “I read Nguyen Huy Thiep over 20 years ago, and his books have still haunted me now. I’m even more excited because I’m now “reading” Nguyen Huy Thiep in another way, but not less impressive,” said Nguyen Vu, a Hue-born literature lover. According to Phan Cam Thuong, an artist and cultural researcher, everyone, including those who’ve never met him in person, love him through his literature.
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| Nguyen Huy Thiep’s portrait and quotations on ceramic artworks |
Nearly 20 years ago, Nguyen Huy Thiep and painter Le Thiet Cuong invited several painter friends to illustrate his short story compilation published by Dong A Books. Thiep’s two sons, Bach and Khoa, are still keeping those painting originals in their family house. Those illustrations show how the artists read and interpret Thiep.
They are not simply illustrations, but reflections and contemplations of life and the writer’s perspective in each artist’s unique style.
Of the 40 participants, many are painters; some are writers and artists from various disciplines. What they have in common is their empathy for Nguyen Huy Thiep through his short stories, which reflect a turbulent and paradoxical period.
According to Phan Cam Thuong, Nguyen Huy Thiep also painted, especially in thoi bao cap (the subsidy period). He and some other painters often painted for Giang Vo Fair to earn extra money. Although he taught himself painting and didn’t intend to become a painter, he was able to express himself through painting. Later, though he didn’t have to paint for money any more, he kept painting on ceramic. He particularly liked to feature his friends’ portraits on ceramic plates and vases. He thought they were very honest paintings.
The paintings on plates, vases, and jars this time are the artists’ distinct feelings and styles. They combine their own perspectives on Thiep’s literature with their unique styles. Using only cobalt oxide blue and manganese oxide green is quite a restriction. If the paint is too thin, it runs, but if it’s too thick, the color is ruined. Basically it is like ink wash painting which is popular with nearly all painters. According to Phan Cam Thuong, they are not simply illustrations for Thiep’s literature; they are their thoughts about life with Nguyen Huy Thiep.