Exquisite Pieces of Fruit Art

Every year starting in June, many localities in southern Vietnam start the harvest of fruit which not only brings farmers high economic value but also is an abundant material resource for artists to create various unique and gorgeous pieces of work.

Fruit is beautiful in its own right, but when it is carved into art, the results can be magnificent. The art of arranging and carving fruits and vegetables into beautiful artwork has existed for a long time in the spiritual and cultural life of Vietnamese people that can be seen through five-fruit trays on special occasions, such as Tet and other ceremonies. Today, it has become more popular, particularly in the fruit tree growing regions, such as Binh Duong, Dong Nai, Tien Giang and Vinh Long in the south. 

The Southern Fruit Festival is held annually at the Suoi Tien Amusement Park that attracts a large number of tourists. During the festival, tourists see many exquisite pieces of fruit art. It takes artists’ time and effort to create beautiful artwork. The work entitled “Dien Bien Aspiration” by Nguyen Hoang Huy from the NetViet Club. An artwork themed “Dragon – Unicorn – Tortoise – Phoenix”. The work entitled “Love for the Nation and for Its Sea and Islands” by artist Nguyen Hoang Chau in Binh Duong. An artwork created from 30 types of fruit.

Although Ho Chi Minh City is not a large fruit tree growing area, it annually organises a fruit festival which has become the most awaited cultural event every summer. The festival aims to honour achievements in the agricultural sector and promote brands of a variety of Vietnamese fruit to international friends. The festival gives artists a chance to create amazing artwork using different varieties of fresh fruit and vegetables.

This year’s Southern Fruit Festival which was held at the Suoi Tien Amusement Park featured many attractive and diverse activities, including a visual art contest with fruits which brings unique and colorful fruit artwork on the themes of the country, people, islands and sea, surprising and delighting visitors. They include “Vo Nguyen Giap – the Talented General of Vietnam” by Le Thanh Trang, “Dien Bien Aspiration” by Nguyen Hoang Huy and “For the Homeland” by Phan Hong Dzung.

Artisan Nguyen Ngoc Tron (54 years old) in Hoc Mon, Ho Chi Minh City who participated in the festival, said: “Those who have been engaged in this art do not attend any training courses but they learn by themselves with their great passion for elements from the natural world and draw experiences from others.”

Ngoc Tron has been creating art using fruits and vegetables for 30 years and he learnt skill and experience from his father who was also a famous fruit artist. At this year’s festival, his work entitled “Vietnam! Holding Tightly to Maintain Peace” won a gold medal.

Children are interested in posing for a photo with an artwork. The board of examiners vote and give marks for an artwork.

The art of creating pieces of art using fruit and vegetables shows the cultural feature of fruit tree growing regions in the south and through the art, the artists want to convey a desire for a prosperous and happy life.

Story: Son Nghia - Photos: Nguyen Luan

Source: Vietnam Pictorial