Young people and the mission of preserving Khmer art

Mr. Danh Thanh Dat draws patterns imbued with the traditional features of the Khmer people. Photo: DANH THANH

Bringing patterns to the temple roof

In the early morning sunlight, the sound of a paintbrush gently touching the wooden surface, the smell of new paint mixed with the long ringing of the temple bell. That is a familiar scene in the working day of Mr. Danh Thanh Dat, residing in Dinh Hoa commune. From his hands full of paint, he meticulously paints each lotus motif, Buddha Shakyamuni, Bodhi tree... creating vivid paintings. Born in a land rich in traditional Khmer art, where music , architecture and painting blend, Mr. Dat was soon captivated by the beauty of temple patterns. "My house is near the temple, so since I was little, I often ran over to watch the painters. Watching them paint each line, I was fascinated," Mr. Dat said.

In 2015, at the age of 15, Dat decided to study Khmer decorative arts and pattern painting in Soc Trang . In the early days, he encountered many difficulties because each pattern had a spiritual meaning, requiring precision and patience. After 3 years of practice, he was able to skillfully draw pictures recounting the history of Buddha, and sculpt traditional patterns on the walls and roofs of temples. He shared: "I am always under pressure to be creative so that each temple has its own unique features, beautiful and not duplicated."

Up to now, he has painted and sculpted for more than 10 pagodas, along with many boats in and outside the province. Each pagoda is a work created by his skillful hands, bearing his own mark. Venerable Danh Thuyen - Deputy Abbot of Ca Nhung Pagoda commented: "Although Dat is young, his skills are solid, both preserving traditional features and bringing a modern breath. The important thing is that in his work, Dat knows how to listen and progress, so the pagoda trusts him to choose to paint many items."

Preserve the color on the boat body

These days, in Go Quao commune, Danh Chi Tinh is rushing to complete the Ngo boat of Soc Sau pagoda in time for the Ngo boat racing festival in 2025. Under his skillful hands, each line gradually appears, sometimes the shape of the Naga snake winding, sometimes the burning sacred fire. Tinh learned to draw at the age of 17, and was enthusiastically taught by the monks in the pagoda. After studying at Xa Xiem Moi pagoda, Binh An commune, he returned to his hometown and devoted himself to the work of drawing and decorating Ngo boats. "Decorating a boat has to go through many stages, from painting the background, measuring the water level, to sketching with cardboard and then coloring it. Each line must be balanced and vivid, expressing the strength and soul of the boat," Tinh said.

Not only is he passionate about creativity, he also teaches the craft to children in the village and village. Many of them have studied with him for 2-3 seasons of Ngo boat racing. Danh Khanh Duy said: "I have been studying with Tinh for more than 3 months. Now I know how to paint the background and draw some patterns. When the monks praised me, I was very happy and wanted to learn more." The Ngo boat of Soc Sau pagoda is about to be launched, bringing with it not only the expectations of Buddhists but also the pride of young people like Tinh, who continue to paint the soul of Khmer culture with the colors of passion.

Through the hands of Danh Thanh Dat and Danh Chi Tinh, Khmer traditional art has been preserved, breathing a new youthful and creative life. “In recent times, the traditional art of the Khmer people in the province has been preserved and strongly promoted. This result has a great contribution from young people. This is a testament to the enduring vitality of Khmer culture today. The young generation not only continues the legacy of their ancestors but also renews it with enthusiasm and love for the nation,” affirmed Deputy Director of the Department of Ethnic Minorities and Religions Danh Tha.

Amid the flow of integration, Khmer motifs are still brilliant on the temple roofs, from the provincial-level Ngo boat racing to the Phum and Soc competitions, as a message that: As long as there are young people who love culture, the Khmer national soul will forever resonate in life.

FAMOUS CITY

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/nguoi-tre-va-su-menh-gin-giu-nghe-thuat-khmer-a464588.html