Photo book recalls artists’ life in wartime

March 28, 2018 - 07:00

The life and work of artists during the resistance is portrayed truthfully in a recently released photo book containing the work of late photographer Trần Văn Lưu.

Photographer Trần Văn Lưu is seen in his house at 11 Hàng Bông Street, a rendezvous of many artists in the past.— Photo courtesy of Kim Đồng Publishing House
Viet Nam News

HÀ NỘI — The life and work of artists during the resistance is portrayed truthfully in a recently released photo book containing the work of late photographer Trần Văn Lưu.

Kim Đồng Publishing House and the photographer’s family showcased the collection of 200 black-and-white photos for the first time with the aim of reflecting writers, poets and artists who were active during the wartime.

Lưu was known as the recorder of history of Vietnamese literature and art during the resistance war as he lived and worked together with the artists, according to Hữu Thỉnh, Chairman of the Việt Nam Union of Literature and Arts Associations. He said the book is a precious collection because it reflects the life and career of photographer Lưu.

“The book is released 15 years after his death, enough time to appreciate truthfully and comprehensively the devotion of respectful photographer Lưu,” said Thỉnh.

Through the book, readers will understand how hard the artists worked to serve the people and soldiers. Various famous artists featured in the book include Thế Lữ wearing make-up to perform a play, musician Văn Cao with his guitar and writer Nguyễn Tuân pondering with his tobacco pipe.

Lưu had a close friendship with many famous artists such as painter Bùi Xuân Phái, painter Tô Ngọc Vân and poet Tố Hữu.

The book is now available at bookshops nationwide at VNĐ280,000 (US$13). — VNS

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