The contest “Sketch of Hanoi Temple of Literature” is an activity to respond to the commitments of Hanoi city to participate in the process of promoting international cooperation among cities in the network when becoming a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities (in Design) network. At the same time, the contest is also a healthy “playground” where students create and compete together; express their feelings and opinions through sketches of architectural works, artifacts, worshiping statues, etc. at the relic Hanoi Temple of Literature.
After 2 months of launching, the contest has received hundreds of sketches attended by students from the architecture and planning universities and colleges in Hanoi such as University of Construction, University of Architecture, Hanoi Open University, etc. The works have painted the outstanding artistic works of the relics such as Constellation of Literature pavilion, Hanoi Temple of Literature’s Gate, Dai Thanh Gate, Bai Duong House, etc. or mascots such as Dragon, small lion, Stelae of Doctors, landscape and people. The sketches show a variety of themes and perspectives. Works are exploiting only one detail on the terrace of the dragon culture, but there are works that show an entire space of Hanoi Temple of Literature viewed from above; in which, Constellation of Literature pavilion is the most appearing topic in the sketches of competition.
Despite the same theme, each work shows a different creative perspective by the students about this famous art architecture. Especially with a variety of materials and style of writing such as pencils, iron pens, watercolors, etc. the students have shown the unique, familiar but also novel beauty of the relic of nearly a thousand years.
Through the entries, the Organizing Committee selected 14 best works for the award. In which, the first prize was awarded to the work of Constellation of Literature pavilion by author Dang Viet Loc, a student of the National University of Civil Engineering. In addition, the Organizing Committee also awarded 02 Second prizes, 03 Third prizes and 08 Consolation prizes. In addition to the winning works, 40 of the best sketches were also selected for display.
Commenting on the quality of the works participating in the Contest, PhD. Tran Hau Yen The, a lecturer at the Vietnam University of Fine Arts shared: “The works participating in the contest reflect the emotional levels of the students’ ancient Hanoi Temple of Literature. The sketches with a variety of materials, penmanship and perspectives have exploited the simple, familiar beauty and always fascinated visitors by the depth of wisdom of the Temple of Literature. Because sketches are always simple with pencils, iron pens, watercolors…, sketches represent Constellation of Literature pavilion, Stelae of Doctors, details on the steps of dragon culture or a space of Hanoi Temple of Literature viewed from above mixing the past and the present. The sketches in this contest have shown many perspectives of the youth about the place that is most familiar to the Capital students.
According to Ms. Luong Thi Thu Giang, a student of the National University of Civil Engineering: “Participating in the contest, I have the opportunity to learn more about Hanoi Temple of Literature. If I go to the monument to visit normally I will not pay too much attention, but participating in the contest makes me have to learn more deeply, more closely and in detail than the architecture of the Hanoi Temple of Literature. The contest is also an opportunity for me to know more about the history and culture of the relic”.
Mr. Le Xuan Kieu, the Director of Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities of Hanoi Temple of Literature, Head of the Competition Organizing Committee said: “The contest is an opportunity for students to develop their talents and creativity, and encourages them to pay attention to and learn about the special national relics of Hanoi Temple of Literature in particular and cultural heritage in general. We hope that through the contest will spread the passion for painting as well as love for cultural heritage among the young generation, contributing to preserving the fine traditional cultural values of the nation”.
The contest “Sketch of Hanoi Temple of Literature” is not only a meaningful and healthy playground for young people who love art but also contributes to the preservation of Vietnamese cultural heritage, including the special national relic Hanoi Temple of Literature, which brings the relic Hanoi Temple of Literature to become a center of cultural activities and creative space for young people.
Vy Vy