“Memory lane” - Diary through paintings

The painter Nguyen Van Nguyen (third from left) presenting his artworks to viewers

Under the theme “Memory Lane”, the artworks revolve around three main subjects: Paintings executed during the years of service in the resistance against the Americans in the Vinh Linh (Quang Tri) and Quang Binh frontlines from 1971 to 1975; paintings depicting the production labour of the people from 1976 to 1984; praises for President Ho Chi Minh and the homeland (oil paintings, woodcuts, acrylics).

Nguyen Van Nguyen, 74 years old, originally from Vinh Phuc province, graduated from Hue College of Fine Arts and currently resides and creates art in Thua Thien Hue. In his youth, he participated in the resistance against the Americans to save the country and served as a cultural officer being seconded to work in the Vinh Linh district of Quang Tri province.

Through challenging times, this painter not only fulfilled his duty as an artist but also served as a cultural propagandist. Observing the exhibition, one can see that his works are a diary in the form of paintings, reflecting realistically and vividly the lives and hardships of our compatriots and troops during the resistance against the Americans, as well as the people's life after liberation.

“Memory Lane” is thus considered a precious source of historical and artistic documentation, helping the public reminisce about the glorious years of the nation, the great sacrifices and contributions of our forefathers that made up the spring of independence and national unification. It also sends a powerful message to the public, particularly the younger generation, about the sense of patriotism and the desire for contribution.