300-meter mural depicts Vietnam's reunification parade

A nearly 2,000 m2 wall on Nguyen Huu Canh street showcases vibrant scenes from the 50th reunification anniversary parade.

For over a month, a wall on Nguyen Huu Canh street near the Saigon Zoo has been transformed with a mural depicting scenes from the reunification parade. The mural stretches approximately 300 meters long and 6 meters high, covering nearly 2,000 m2.

Started in mid-June, the mural is part of a larger project, "Beautiful Vietnam Murals," commemorating the 50th anniversary of reunification, the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, National Day, and People's Public Security Forces Day.

Le Tuan Minh Vien, 40, the lead artist, said all 36 contingents from the parade are represented in the mural to recreate the grand and solemn atmosphere. "The team began developing the theme 3 months ago, referencing numerous images of the parade before creating the sketches," he explained.

The mural unfolds chronologically, starting with planes taking off from Bien Hoa airport and culminating in a fireworks display over the Bach Dang wharf, symbolizing joy, peace, and hope.

The team consists of about 20 artists, with 6 to 10 working each day from morning till evening. According to the artists, Nguyen Huu Canh street, with its wide, open sidewalks and landscaping, provides an ideal backdrop for the mural. The walls and trees of the Saigon Zoo further enhance the beauty of the area.

Bui Van Thang from Ho Chi Minh City University of Fine Arts mixes the glossy paint, chosen for its quick drying time and weather resistance, ensuring the mural's vibrancy and longevity. The process involves cleaning the wall, applying primer and sealant, sketching the design, and then painting multiple layers to complete the artwork.

"The mural's large size makes composition challenging. You have to step back to see the whole picture," Thang noted.

Each time the scaffolding is moved, 36-year-old Hoang Thai covers the work area with tarps to protect it from sun and rain. With over 10 years of experience in mural painting, Thai said this project's scale and its representation of national spirit make it particularly significant.

Approximately 1.5 tons of paint will be used to complete the mural. Numerous revisions have been necessary to accurately depict the military and police uniforms and weaponry.

"Painting expressive eyes requires skilled artists. Depicting the numerous individuals in the parade contingents, with accurate body proportions, is far more complex than landscape painting," Thai added.

The mural has attracted the attention of residents and tourists. "The contingents are depicted vividly, capturing the grandeur and solemnity of the parade," said Le Tan Dung, 40, as he took photos with his wife.

A panoramic image of the lead vehicle firing a cannon salute on Bach Dang wharf.

According to Vien, the lead artist, while the design and execution are subject to adjustments, the final product will faithfully represent the intended message and spirit of the mural.

The project is currently 70% complete, with many sections finished or undergoing detailed work on the soldiers' portraits. The mural is expected to be inaugurated in mid-August.

At the intersection of Nguyen Huu Canh and Ton Duc Thang streets, another mural stretches for about 100 meters, showcasing scenic landmarks: Ha Long Bay, Ganh Da Dia, Ha Giang rock plateau, Dragon Bridge, and Hoi An ancient town. This mural is also part of the "Beautiful Vietnam Murals" project.