"I am one of the artists who bridges the older generation of those who fought in the resistance war against the US with contemporary artists. I see myself as a link between the creative thinking of the 20^th and 21^st centuries".

This is how sculptor and painter Dinh Gia Thang, a member of the Da Nang Fine Arts Association and the Viet Nam Fine Arts Association, reflects on his nearly 30-year creative journey, which he describes as a long road, filled with changes in creative thought. Moving from a realistic style to a blend of romantic realism and symbolism.

Sculptor and painter Dinh Gia Thang mentioned that he has always consciously combined music with his sculptures as a personal artistic style. Photo courtesy of Mr.Thang.

Harmoniously combining tradition and modernity

With his deep knowledge and research in architecture, urban planning, and the principles of feng shui in landscape design, Mr. Thang has accumulated valuable experience in how to approach monument art and sculpture.

His creative journey has focused on translating the beautiful images of soldiers, martyrs, and Heroic Vietnamese Mothers, who sacrificed for the nation, into poetic symbols. His ultimate aim is to create artworks that deeply resonate with the public, both visually and emotionally, evoking patriotism and national pride.

Given his background in architecture and landscape planning, Mr. Thang carefully surveys the location before designing monuments, and calculating the layout and proportions to ensure that the structure dominates its space effectively. His work harmonises traditional sculpture with the essence of contemporary sculpture, ensuring that these pieces remain relevant for centuries to come.

His most famous and beloved work is the Monument of Heroic Vietnamese Mothers on Cam Mountain, Phu Thanh Village, Tam Phu Commune, Tam Ky City, Quang Nam Province, inspired by the real-life Heroic Mother Nguyen Thi Thu of the province. This work brought him the 2022 State Award. The monument represents Thang's vision of the patient, self-sacrificing, and compassionate Vietnamese mother, a symbol of the nation’s love for peace and humanity. This foundation of thought is also evident in his other significant works, such as the "Victory of Kham Duc", the "Heroic Vietnamese Mother", and the “Legend of Truong Son mountain range”.

The Monument of Heroic Vietnamese Mothers on Cam Mountain, Phu Thanh Village, Tam Phu Commune, Tam Ky City, Quang Nam Province. Photo courtesy of Mr. Thang.

Infusing music into sculpture

A music lover and accomplished pianist, Mr. Dinh Gia Thang is always conscious of combining music with sculpture as part of his artistic style. He aims to create a new language for his monument art, breaking away from conventional approaches.

Mr. Thang is also the adopted son of renowned musician Phan Huynh Dieu, from whom he learned many lessons.

“Father Phan Huynh Dieu worked tirelessly to create exceptional compositions and always encouraged me to believe in my success. Music is my strength, and I incorporate its essence into sculpture to create epic works. The emotional flow in my sculpting process comes from music, so my works often feature shapes that move like the melodies of a song,” he revealed.

Mr. Thang continually seeks and defines new artistic directions and encourages younger sculptors not to treat monuments as mere commissioned works but as true artistic creations. He advises them to explore deeply and avoid simply arranging figures on a stage when designing monuments or reliefs. For bas-reliefs, he suggests they innovate the structure so the figures aren’t repetitive, which would bore the viewer.

The younger generation of sculptors is now experimenting with various forms and materials, often seeking out new ideas. Some have even created unique, refreshing works in contemporary art, although many are still influenced by prominent international artists. Additionally, the ideological depth in their work tends to be diluted. Mr. Thang believes young artists should strike a balance between thought and form, so their works contribute meaningfully to Viet Nam’s cultural heritage.

Acknowledged by his peers for his individuality and “distinctive style” in both his creativity and technical skills, Mr. Dinh Gia Thang has made remarkable contributions to contemporary sculpture in Viet Nam, producing several acclaimed works. Despite the obstacles, his perseverance as a true artist has allowed his sculptures and monuments to be recognised for their artistic value, securing his place in the field.

Reporting by KHANH HOA - Translating by TRUC VY