Nguyễn Văn Dũng, from Bruk Ngol village in Thống Nhất ward, said the project began after he learned of Nguyễn Phú Trọng’s death in July 2024. Unable to travel to pay his respects, Dũng decided to honour him through his own craftsmanship.
“I kept thinking about what I could do to express my feelings. In the end, I decided to create a piece about General Secretary Trọng with my own hands and skills,” Dũng said.
The portrait of the late General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng becomes clear when light is cast at the right angle through the sculpture. Photo: H.H
Displayed at the Chí Dũng wood workshop, the sculpture appears to be an ordinary piece of pine burl until illuminated. Under carefully directed light, seemingly random cuts on the wood reveal the portrait of Nguyễn Phú Trọng, bringing his familiar features into view.
The work marked Dũng’s first attempt at light sculpture, a technique he knew little about before starting the project. He spent nearly two years studying online specialist groups, watching instructional videos and refining his skills through repeated experimentation while continuing his regular workshop duties.
According to Dũng, light sculpture differs from traditional wood carving because the artwork is only completed when light interacts with precisely calculated cuts in the wood. Even a small error can alter the final image, forcing the artist to begin again.
The portrait was based on an image of the late General Secretary and President Nguyễn Phú Trọng during a 2018 working visit to Dur Kmăl commune in Đắk Lắk province.
The piece was inspired by an image of the late General Secretary and President Nguyễn Phú Trọng during a 2018 working trip to Dur Kmăl commune (Đắk Lắk province).
Creating the facial structure proved to be the most demanding stage. Dũng said it took more than six months to perfect the placement of the eyes, nose, mouth and glasses while balancing light and shadow to achieve the desired effect.
“I didn’t dare make mistakes, nor did I want to give up on this piece of wood,” he said. “For people of the Central Highlands, the pine tree is a familiar image, tied to the mountains, forests and many memories. This particular piece bore the marks of time, weathered by sun and rain. I wanted to preserve its original character and turn it into something meaningful.”
Despite moments when he considered abandoning the project because the sculpture failed to produce the intended effect, Dũng said his respect for Nguyễn Phú Trọng motivated him to continue.
Nguyễn Văn Dũng adjusts the sculpture to find the optimal lighting angle, a crucial step in making the portrait of the late General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng stand out. Photo: H.H
After completing the portrait, he expanded the composition to better reflect the values he believed the late leader represented. The final work includes an image of Nguyễn Phú Trọng raising his hand in greeting, the symbol of the Party flag and a sprouting green branch.
“Our country may not be large, but it has produced many outstanding individuals who have contributed to the nation. In my mind, the late General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng is one such exemplary figure,” Dũng said. “I see him as a great tree offering shade. The values he left behind will continue to be cherished and promoted by future generations.”
Dũng described the completed sculpture as more than an artwork, calling it the product of years of study, persistence and personal dedication.
“I don’t think this is my best work, but it is the one I have poured the most heart into. Every detail reflects the respect and admiration I have for him,” he said.
The sculpture is currently displayed at Dũng’s workshop. He hopes to eventually donate it to the Pleiku Museum or a suitable private gallery so that more people can view the work and appreciate the values he believes the late General Secretary left behind.