1939

The year 1939, with its significant historical and social upheavals, became a pivotal moment for Vietnamese art. Under the influence of politics and culture, the artworks produced during this time deeply reflected the social conditions and laid the foundation for revolutionary art in the decades that followed. Prominent artists such as Ngô Tất Tố, Vũ Trọng Phụng, Nguyễn Gia Trí, and Tô Ngọc Vân made notable contributions with works that reflected patriotic sentiments, critiqued societal issues, and expressed a yearning for national independence.

1. Historical Context of Vietnam in 1939

In 1939, Vietnam was still under French colonial rule as part of French Indochina. This year also marked the outbreak of World War II in Europe (in September 1939), which affected France’s colonial policies in Vietnam. The French colonial government, fearing the rise of patriotic movements, intensified measures of repression, censorship, and surveillance over political, cultural, and artistic activities within the country.

Revolutionary movements, such as those led by the Indochinese Communist Party, continued to grow, despite uprisings being suppressed by the colonial authorities. At the same time, intellectuals began raising questions about national independence, human rights, and freedom.

The colonial economy was tightly controlled to serve the interests of France, with the local population, particularly farmers, enduring harsh living conditions due to the oppressive tax system and exploitative policies of the colonial regime.

2. Cultural Context of Vietnam in 1939

Under the influence of colonial rule, Western culture—especially from France—had a strong impact on the Vietnamese intelligentsia and artists. At the same time, traditional Vietnamese culture continued to thrive and be preserved among the local population. This cultural intersection created a unique environment where modern and traditional art met.

The Indochina College of Fine Arts, established in 1925, produced a generation of Vietnamese painters who were formally trained, blending Western painting techniques with inspiration from traditional art. Media outlets such as newspapers, books, and art exhibitions also played a key role in spreading new ideas.

3. The Impact of Historical and Cultural Context on Art in 1939

3.1. Immediate Impact

In 1939, artworks began to clearly reflect social issues, injustices, and patriotic sentiments. Art became a powerful tool to depict the lives of the people and to evoke empathy across different social strata.

The fusion of Western and traditional art created innovative works that combined European painting techniques with a strong national spirit. Lacquer painting, a traditional medium, was elevated during this period and became a symbol of this artistic blend.

3.2. Long-term Impact (Future)

The seeds of patriotism and the desire for independence sown in the art of 1939 had a profound influence on revolutionary art in later years, particularly after the August Revolution in 1945. Artworks continued to reflect the struggle for independence and resistance against French and American colonialism.

The critical realism movement in literature and art, which began in the 1930s, continued to flourish in the years after 1939. Many artistic works focused on the hardships of the people, denouncing social injustice and the colonial system.

4. Notable Works of Art from 1939

4.1. Literature

“Tắt đèn” (Lights Out) by Ngô Tất Tố (1939) is an outstanding realist novel that portrays the harsh life of Vietnamese peasants under the exploitation of the colonial and feudal systems. This work not only condemns the authorities but also sends a powerful message about the people’s struggle.

“Giông tố” (Storm) by Vũ Trọng Phụng is one of the most famous social novels of the time, exposing the corruption and decadence of the upper classes in colonial society.

4.2. Painting

Nguyễn Gia Trí was one of the leading painters of Vietnam during this period, renowned for his lacquer paintings. His works often depicted the fusion of traditional style with modern painting techniques.

Tô Ngọc Vân produced groundbreaking works that blended modern Western painting with subjects drawn from folk life. He is known for the painting “Thiếu nữ bên hoa huệ” (Young Woman with Lilies) (1939), a hallmark of Vietnamese art during this period.

4.3. Music

Thẩm Oánh was one of the pioneers in developing Vietnamese modern music. His compositions from this period clearly reflected the influence of Western music combined with national spirit.

4.4. Sculpture

Nguyễn Thị Kim was a prominent female sculptor whose works during this time not only demonstrated her artistic talent but also reflected the spirit of resistance and the strength of Vietnamese women in a colonial context.