Despite numerous difficulties sparked by COVID-19 pandemic, painters in Da Nang have still worked hard to create amazing pieces of arts works, thereby step by step affirming their positions in the hearts of the public, and then creating their own imprints in the regional and national arts sector.

Painter Phan Van Thanh is seen drawing at home. Photo: XUAN DUNG

Unlike other arts forms that can be introduced to the public through online contests and exhibitions, fine arts require viewers to have to enjoy live painting works to feel the uniqueness of this type of art.

Due to the complicated developments of COVID-19 pandemic, during this year, the Da Nang Fine Arts Association has yet to organize exhibitions to introduce new fine arts works created by its members to the public. This is a big disadvantage for artists, particularly those selling their works for a living.

Painter Phan Van Thanh, a member of the city's Fine Arts Association, said that most painters in Da Nang have fixed jobs, and they only draw in their spare time. However, there are many artists who dedicate all their time to the painting and are determined to pursue their passion. And, Thanh himself is such a young artist, so no exhibitions during the context of the complicated pandemic greatly affects his income.

In addition, local painters have found it difficult to find materials to create their works due to the suspension of painting creative camps citywide. Therefore, painter Phan Van Thanh mainly uses old documents and familiar images of the surrounding life to compose.

With constant efforts, this year, Thanh has created 3 large-format fine arts works and some other small-sized paintings.

Despite facing many difficulties, painting still has more advantage than other arts forms because painters can be able to draw when staying at home.

For example, when drawing paintings on the topic of COVID-19 prevention and control, artists can use images on mass media or express their gratitude to the frontline medical forces.

"At any time and in any situation, an artist still has to work hard and affirm the value of arts to life", painter Thanh shared.

Thanks to its favourable geographical position of being located in the Central Viet Nam and Central Highlands regions, the literary and artistic activities in general and the fine arts in particular are constantly intersecting, connecting and integrating. For that reason, Da Nang's fine arts sector is constantly developing, hereby leaving its imprint in regional competitions and exhibitions.

Specifically, 23 works created by 22 members of the Association have been selected for the ongoing South Central Coast and Central Highlands Fine Arts Exhibition 2021, an impressive figure when compared to other localities. These works depict the beauty of nature, sea and islands, the environment, daily life in South Central Coast and Central Highlands, and their cultures.

Among Da Nang’s selected art works are some carrying the theme of COVID-19 prevention and control. Included are " Pooled sample testing " by Ho Dinh Nam Kha, "Viet Nam wins its fight against COVID-19" by Tran Huu Duong, and " Frontline staff in the fight against the pandemic" by Phan Van Thanh.

Painter Tran Huu Can, an Association member, pursues a realistic style, so he participated in the aforementioned exhibition with the "Eyes of life" work.

He said that his work had the theme of preventing and combating corruption and social evils. With the eyes drawn as the main image, painter Can wants to convey the message that each person needs to bravely overcome temptations and social evils in order to live sincerely and build a civilized life.

According to painter Ho Dinh Nam Kha, Chairman of the city's Fine Arts Association, since the outbreak of the COVID-19 in Da Nang over the past times, local painters have faced many difficulties during their work. However, the Association always encourages its members to try their best to overcome their current difficulties to draw.

Currently, the city's Fine Arts Association is encouraging its members and other amateur artists to create works to celebrate the 25^th anniversary of the Son Tra District Establishment Day, and 70^th anniversary of the Viet Nam's Fine Arts Day.

Besides, the Association will partner with the municipal Department of Culture and Sports to co-organise a creative camp to welcome the Tet Festival 2022 in combination with celebrating the 25^th anniversary of Da Nang's recognition as centrally-governed city.

“Following the project of bringing community arts into people's lives, the Association plans to implement the 'Lang Ong mural village' project in Son Tra District. In the coming time, this will be an opportunity for young artists to exchange and learn from practical creative experiences from others" said painter Ho Dinh Nam Kha.

Reporting by XUAN DUNG - Translating by M.DUNG