A young and present portrait of President Putin is recreated through a light sculpture.

On the evening of June 20, at the Hanoi Opera House, President To Lam and Russian President Vladimir Putin met with leaders of the Vietnam-Russia Friendship Association and Vietnamese who studied in the Russian Federation.

Following this meeting, the two leaders enjoyed an art program welcoming President Putin's visit.

Among the performances, the light sculpture "Great Russia" by artist Bui Van Tu stood out with its unique and mesmerizing display, although it lasted nearly three minutes.

Dressed in a modernized Ao Dai (Vietnamese traditional gown), artist Bui Van Tu stepped onto the stage as the lights gradually dimmed. He turned the sculpture, and on the curtain behind him appeared an image of a young President Putin. As he rotated the sculpture in another direction, a different image of President Putin emerged.

This art form combines sculpture and light to create unique images from the shadows of the object. The process of creating such a piece starts from the conceptual stage and selecting materials, with the artist sculpting and adjusting the light source to determine the angle and change of the object. The final product is arranged in front of the light to create a shadow that forms the intended image.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that this art performance was a gift from General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong to Russian President Vladimir Putin. 

On behalf of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, President To Lam presented President Putin with a portrait created using light sculpture art.

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The work was performed on the stage of the Hanoi Opera House, witnessed by President To Lam and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Driftwood was used to create the work. Photo: NVCC

Ms. Duong Tuyet, assistant to artist Bui Van Tu, shared details about the work:

The "Great Russia" sculpture features the image of a majestic horse under the canopy of a birch forest, a symbolic tree of Russia. The horse symbolizes strength, steadfastness, freedom, nobility, and loyalty.

When light shines on the sculpture, the shadows of the birch forest blend together to create the image of a young man with the aspiration to build a great Russia from his childhood.

Notably, when the birch tree is rotated and the light hits at the right angle, the image of the young man transforms into the portrait of the great President of Russia, who has dedicated his life to nurturing talent and building a powerful Russia on the international stage.

This artistic narrative echoes President Ho Chi Minh's teaching: "For the benefit of ten years, we must plant trees. For the benefit of a hundred years, we must cultivate people."

This light sculpture is a vivid symbol of the enduring friendship between the two countries, showcasing respect and the desire to strengthen their good relationship. It highlights the cultural exchange and lasting friendship between Vietnam and Russia.

Ms. Duong Tuyet mentioned that the sculpture was packaged and shipped to Russia the same night to be presented to President Putin.

Tran Thuong