Telling Dong Nai stories through works of art

Painter Nguyen Quoc Trong is working on a portrait of Uncle Ho. Photo: NVCC

These works are not simply outdoor works of art, but also act as “red threads” connecting the past - present - future.

The art of…telling stories about land and people

Nestled behind the Tran Bien Temple of Literature, the Tran Bien Art Sculpture Garden is considered one of the "highlights" in the cultural space imbued with the spirit of "loving learning - respecting morality - respecting talent" of Dong Nai land. The sculptures displayed here have many different themes such as: from the time of carrying swords, spreading, lotus, connecting, knowledge gate... Each group of statues is a story, a slice of history expressed in diverse visual language.

Painter and sculptor Nguyen Quoc Trong is one of the artists of Dong Nai who has brought many stories of culture and history to stone sculptures. Notable works include Garden of Knowledge (stone carving, displayed at Tran Bien Temple of Literature), New Loc (stone carving, displayed at the War Zone D Sculpture Garden)… Many of his sculptures of historical figures and cultural celebrities have won high prizes in competitions inside and outside the province.

“To have works of art that are imbued with the breath of the land and people of Dong Nai, I often have practical experiences, from which I form new ideas for design. Not only me, but all artists in Dong Nai are very happy to have sculptures and works of art displayed in public cultural spaces. We consider it a valuable opportunity for art to not only be seen, but also to live with the community, touching the emotions of each person” - artist Quoc Trong shared.

Not only sculpture, painter Dao Tan Hung, member of the Fine Arts Committee, Dong Nai Literature and Arts Association, also has many monumental and symbolic works located in many localities in the province. He believes that artists not only create images, but also create connections between people, between the present and memories, between individuals and the community. When art is present in life naturally and sincerely, it will naturally find a place in the hearts of viewers. That is when artists do not stand alone, but accompany the public on the journey of telling stories about Dong Nai land and people.

In recent times, Dong Nai has organized many sculpture creation camps and competitions to design highly creative symbols and monuments. There have been typical monuments that have been shaped as typical cultural symbols of Dong Nai such as: Dong Xoai Victory Monument; Phuoc Long Victory Monument; Long Khanh Victory Monument; Sac Forest Special Forces Monument; La Nga Victory Monument; Bien Hoa Airport Victory Monument... These works contribute to telling the story of Dong Nai's history,educating the revolutionary tradition for today's young generation.

Vice President of Dong Nai Literature and Arts Association PHAM HIEN shared: “The merger of Binh Phuoc and Dong Nai has opened up a diverse and rich literary and artistic creative force. Dong Nai today is expected to open up a new space for artists to create many attractive works to serve the public.”

Connecting communities, spreading cultural values

As a young person studying in the field of art, Nguyen Phuong Anh, a student at Dong Nai College of Decorative Arts, shared: “I feel proud that Dong Nai has many carefully invested projects, with the presence of sculptures and monuments rich in cultural and historical values. These works and projects not only help me understand more about the land and people of my homeland, but through observing the composition, materials, emotions, etc., I have learned many lessons for my creative process.”

The work Good Land (stone sculpture) by author Tran Dinh Thang, member of Dong Nai Literature and Arts Association, is displayed in the public cultural space behind Tran Bien Temple of Literature, Tran Bien Ward. Photo: L.Na

Painter and sculptor Pham Cong Hoang, Head of the Fine Arts Department of Dong Nai Literature and Arts Association, said that over the years, Dong Nai artists, including the Fine Arts Department, have constantly innovated their creative thinking, actively participated in creative camps, sculpture, monument, and symbol competitions, etc. This not only demonstrates the artists' sense of responsibility towards the community, but also affirms the role of art as a cultural bridge between generations.

“The artists and sculptors in Dong Nai hope that through these works, viewers will not only be able to admire, but also contemplate, feel and accompany. Each work is a story, each space is a message and it is the people who breathe life into and preserve those values in their daily lives,” emphasized artist Pham Cong Hoang.

The works, sculptures, monuments, symbols... present in public cultural spaces in Dong Nai today have become "check-in" spots, inspiring the young creative community. From there, they create positive ripple effects on social networks, becoming "materials" for the community to continue telling the cultural and historical stories of their land.
is living.

Ly Na

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/dong-nai-cuoi-tuan/202507/ke-chuyen-dong-nai-qua-nhung-tac-pham-nghe-thuat-1c01ed8/