Artist Chu Nhat Quang:

Among them, the work “Uncle Ho reading the Declaration of Independence” was recognized by the Guinness World Records Organization as the world’s largest monolithic, unassembled lacquer painting. Painter Chu Nhat Quang shared with readers of the Hanoi Moi Newspaper about the young man’s creative journey with this great subject.

- When did the idea of making the works "Independence Spring" come to you?

- Around 2017, while I was studying abroad, I knew that my family in Vietnam was researching making large-scale lacquer paintings, so I envisioned a painting project related to the nation's history. Two years later, when the first paintings were completed, I immediately started looking for materials and sketching. In 2019, when I returned home, I devoted all my energy to this series of paintings.

I did not set a fixed time frame, I only knew that I needed perseverance and patience. Together with my colleagues, we worked tirelessly for nearly 7 years. It was both an artistic journey and a journey of maturity for me, from an art student to a young artist who clearly understood his responsibility to history and to the country.

- As a young artist of the 9x generation, who has never experienced war, why did you choose to create works on the theme of revolution and leaders?

- Patriotism and respect for history have been instilled in me since childhood through family, school and society. My grandfather was People's Artist, painter Chu Manh Chan who painted many paintings on revolutionary themes. My father - Meritorious Artist Chu Luong, was attached to the puppet theater all his life. In that space, I grew up with memories of art associated with history.

Studying abroad, I have come to appreciate the value of independence and freedom. Living in peace is the legacy our ancestors left behind. I want to use my creativity to show my gratitude, to tell stories that I have never witnessed but always feel sacred.

Lacquer, to me, is not only an artistic material. It is also the soul of Asia, durable, brilliant, and able to spread in large spaces. I want to use this traditional material to depict the golden pages of the nation's history.

- Making large lacquer paintings must have been quite challenging?

- Small paintings can be made in a closed incubation chamber, but large paintings are completely handmade, depending on the weather and humidity. From transporting the giant canvas to surface treatment, every step requires technique and effort.

I have experimented a lot, from researching the blanks, using plastic to avoid warping, to introducing new materials such as abalone shell, refined gold leaf, anti-oxidation silver leaf... Each improvement is aimed at ensuring the paintings are durable, can be displayed for a long time, even in harsh conditions or outdoors. What I keep in mind during the creative process is to be faithful to tradition while finding a new direction so that lacquer paintings can truly step into the contemporary space.

- In the series, the work “Uncle Ho reading the Declaration of Independence” was recognized by the Guinness World Records Organization as the world’s largest monolithic, unassembled lacquer painting. Can you share about the process of creating this work?

- This is the largest painting in the exhibition “Independence Spring”. The work is 7.2m long, 2.4m high, weighs 3 tons and has two sides. One side depicts the moment Uncle Ho read the Declaration of Independence at Ba Dinh Square on September 2, 1945. The other side is titled “National Spring”, depicting the image of the people of the whole country joyfully celebrating Independence Day.

The two-sided painting was developed from the end of 2019, starting from the stage of assembling the pieces into a single block, then moving on to painting. In the process of finding materials for the work, I went to many historical sites, consulted historians and met local people to hear the stories associated with each piece of land. Those experiences helped me have a sense of space, genuine emotions and more determination to complete the work.

- How did you feel when your work was recognized as a Guinness World Record?

- When I heard the announcement, my heart was filled with pride and gratitude. I thought of my family - who have accompanied and encouraged me through all the difficulties. I am grateful to my colleagues. The cooperation, creativity and shared passion for lacquer art of everyone has raised this project to a level far beyond what I had ever imagined. In addition, the support of the Ho Chi Minh Museum, the encouragement of scientists and leaders have turned a personal dream into a common effort, of national scale.

- To you, what is the greatest significance of this record?

- For me, the important thing is the message that the painting conveys, spreading to the world. This painting has become a visual tribute to the nation's journey and the immortal legacy of President Ho Chi Minh. This achievement is not only setting a record but also sharing the Vietnamese soul with the world. Through the painting, I hope international friends can feel the pride, strength and beauty of the Vietnamese people.

I hope that they will be inspired by the story of President Ho Chi Minh - who is still showing us the way with clarity and firm belief: Vietnam is a resilient, indomitable country with a rich cultural tradition.

I also hope that today’s young generation understands that, in any field, if we have passion and dare to commit, we can all contribute to the Fatherland. Guinness World Records is not the destination. It is just the beginning of spreading, of deep cultural exchanges and of a greater love for Vietnamese heritage.

- Sincerely thank artist Chu Nhat Quang!

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/hoa-si-chu-nhat-quang-neu-co-dam-me-va-dam-dan-than-chung-ta-deu-co-the-dong-gop-cho-to-quoc-716905.html