Socialist Realism Sculpture in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam 1945-2017

Abstract

The objectives of research article “Socialist Realism Sculpture in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, 1945-2017” is to study the historical background and current state socialist realism propaganda art in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The research is conducted qualitatively, utilizing document analysis and field data collection in the areas of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hue. The target population includes knowledgeable key informants, practitioners, and stakeholders, as well as the target group of socialist realist sculptors. The research employs survey questionnaires, observations, interviews, and group discussions.Surveys, questionnaires, observations, interviews, and group discussions collected data. The research findings reveal that the historical background of socialist realist sculpture can be divided into three periods: the first period encompasses socialist realist sculpture in the context of North and South Vietnam from 1945 to 1975, the second period covers socialist realist sculpture in the context of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam from 1975 to 1986, and the third period focuses on socialist realist sculpture in the context of the Doi Moi reform policy from 1986 to 2017.  In the current state of socialist realist sculpture, six aspects were identified. Firstly, the majority of sculpture resides in urban areas and consists of civil servants. Secondly, the predominant locations are art museums, history museums, military and combat museums, art universities, and public spaces within communities. Thirdly, the overall content aims to convey narratives representing the significance of victory and the military's and people's pride in the fight against imperialist aggression. Fourthly, the visual representations adhere to the style of socialist realist sculpture. Fifthly, a variety of materials, including natural and synthetic materials, are used in the artwork. Finally, diverse techniques and construction methods are employed. It should be noted that the content, form, materials, and techniques of the artwork are significantly influenced by state policies, playing a crucial role in supporting and controlling the expressions.