The artwork received recognition at an awards ceremony in Hanoi on 3/12. Artist Le Phi Hung, a lecturer at Ho Chi Minh City University of Fine Arts, revealed he spent six months completing the woodcut on 'do' paper. This included refining sketches and selecting the composition.

Artist Le Phi Hung received a prize of 75 million VND for the artwork. Photo: Organizers

Upon his first visit to Ngo Quyen Temple, Hung was deeply moved by an ancient tree. Local stories link this tree to the 938 Battle of Bach Dang, where soldiers reportedly trained and rested their horses beneath its shade. This historical connection evoked a sacred feeling in Hung, inspiring him to capture the site's enduring legacy. He employed the 'tro net' technique, commonly used by Dong Ho folk painting artisans, to depict the tree's intricate trunk and leaf details.

Hung participated in the competition hoping to amplify the reach of heritage values to the public, especially young people. He also aimed for his creation to contribute to the preservation and celebration of national culture.

Master Le Phi Hung (left) at the awards ceremony. He is 47 years old and currently serves as the Vice Head of the Department of Plastic Arts, Graphics major, at Ho Chi Minh City University of Fine Arts. Photo: Provided by subject

Two second prizes were awarded: one to Tran Thi Thanh Dung for her copper engraving "Hue Tinh Khuc Tu Thoi" (Hue Love Song of Four Seasons), and another to Truong Manh Sang for his acrylic on canvas "Bao Ton Ban Sac Van Hoa Truyen Thong" (Preserving Traditional Cultural Identity). Each artist received 50 million VND. The organizers also presented three third prizes, each worth 40 million VND, along with 19 consolation prizes and three youth awards, each valued at 10 million VND. All winning artworks are currently displayed at the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum from 3 to 7/12.

The second "Vietnamese Cultural Heritage Through Painting" competition was launched in 9/2024, with entries accepted until 11/2025. The event was a collaborative effort by the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Association, the Fund for the Preservation of Vietnamese Cultural Heritage, and Asia Industrial Technology Joint Stock Company.

Over 13 months, the organizers received 1,320 entries from 900 domestic and overseas Vietnamese artists. These submissions spanned various genres, including acrylic, oil, lacquer, silk, and graphic-print paintings. A judging panel selected 70 artworks for the final round from an initial 100 pieces that advanced to the preliminary stage.

Tran Thi Thanh Dung's artwork, "Hue Tinh Khuc Tu Thoi" (Hue Love Song of Four Seasons), won a second prize. Photo: Organizers

Associate Professor, Doctor Do Van Tru, Chairman of the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Association, noted a significant increase in both artists and artworks, by 1.5 to two times, compared to the previous competition. This surge indicates a growing public interest in cultural heritage, particularly among the younger generation. A new feature this season was the introduction of a youth award for participants aged 6 to 22, offering students an opportunity to express their appreciation for the nation's cultural heritage.

Phuong Linh