“Huynh Phuong Dong’s Journey” – portrait of a talented soldier and painter

On the morning of April 11, the Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts in collaboration with the Vietnam Fine Arts Association and the family of soldier - painter Huynh Phuong Dong organized the exhibition "Huynh Phuong Dong's Journey" to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025), and the 100th anniversary of the painter's birth (April 22, 1925 - April 22, 2025).

Opening of the exhibition "Huynh Phuong Dong's Journey". Photo: VNFAM

Painter Huynh Phuong Dong, whose real name is Huynh Cong Nhan, was born in 1925 in Gia Dinh (now Ho Chi Minh City), and studied at the Vietnam College of Fine Arts (1957-1963). He was both a painter and a soldier, participating in both the resistance wars against the French and the Americans. Huynh Phuong Dong was his alias from 1963, when he crossed Truong Son to the battlefield in the Southeast. After the country was reunified, he continued to use this alias as his official pen name for his artistic activities.

Painter Huynh Phuong Dong devoted his entire life to his nation and to art. He left behind a treasure trove of valuable artistic heritage with thousands of sketches... of people and landscapes, with the largest theme being revolutionary war.

Delegates visit the exhibition. Photo: VNFAM

This exhibition "Huynh Phuong Dong's Journey" in Hanoi introduces more than 150 paintings, including many different materials, such as graphite, watercolor, pen and ink, gouache, silk, oil paint... The works, sketches and direct drawings of artist Huynh Phuong Dong are not simply works of art but also historical witnesses to the sacrifices and heroic fighting spirit of our army and people.

The portrait sketches realistically and vividly depict the people who lived and fought, bravely and selflessly through the war such as comrades, brave soldiers, commandos, youth volunteers, liaison soldiers... were done by the author right on the battlefield.

Enjoying works about the resistance war by artist Huynh Phuong Dong. Photo: T.Du

In particular, in this exhibition, for the first time, the largest work by artist Huynh Phuong Dong - "Ap Bac Victory", created in 1963, 7.6 meters long, is displayed. In addition, a number of other works about historical battles such as the La Nga battle, the Y-shaped bridge front or legendary places such as Cu Chi steel land, Rung Sac base... are introduced to the public for the first time.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the exhibition, Director of the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum Nguyen Anh Minh emphasized that the exhibition brings viewers back to the heroic years, reliving unforgettable memories through each stroke of the brave and resilient soldier-painter. At the same time, this is also an opportunity for today's young generation to feel and understand more about the value of peace, appreciate the silent sacrifices of the previous generation, thereby continuing the fine traditions of the nation.

The exhibition runs until May 2, on the 1st and 2nd floors of Building B, Vietnam Fine Arts Museum (66 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Ba Dinh, Hanoi).

Some images of works introduced at the exhibition: