Fine art: People look at paintings by artists in southern central and Central Highlands provinces. — VNS Photo Phuoc Buu

BINH DINH (VNS)— Art made in traditional handicraft villages in the southern Central and Central Highlands regions, as well as Champa sculpture, should be preserved and publicised, according to Tran Khanh Chuong, chairman of the Viet Nam Fine Art Association.

At a recent symposium in Binh Dinh Province attended by 150 artists and art critics, Chuong encouraged artists in the region to draw inspiration from traditional culture.

"Each region has a unique cultural identity and traditions, reflected in their fine art products. But this region has not engaged in enough promotion," the artist said.

In contrast to Binh Dinh Province, he added, other regions had been holding such symposia for years – helping their regional fine art associations identify ways to develop the sector.

Along the sidelines of the room, paintings by local artists were on display.

"Local identity is what makes art unique and colourful. Without it, everything would be boring and monotonous," said artist Nguyen Thuong Hy of the Quang Nam Province Fine Arts Association.

According to fine art critic Bui Thi Tinh, the region has two layers of culture: the Sa Huynh Civilisation and Champa Civilisation.

The Sa Huynh is one of the three core civilisations of Viet Nam, in addition to the Dong Son in the north and the Oc Eo in the south.

"We need to identify the core values of the cultural layers and conserve them as intangible heritages of the country," she said. — VNS