1960

The year 1960 marked a crucial moment in the history and culture of Vietnam, with the escalation of the war against the United States and the struggle for national independence. Art in both North and South Vietnam was deeply influenced by the political and social context of the time. While Northern art focused on revolutionary themes, socialist construction, and the fight against America, Southern art reflected urban life, social criticism, and was influenced by Western culture. The artistic works produced in 1960 played a significant role in inspiring revolutionary spirit and left a lasting imprint on the history of Vietnam’s cultural and artistic development.

1. Historical Context of Vietnam in 1960

The year 1960 was a pivotal point in Vietnam’s history, marked by escalating tensions and confrontations between North and South.

After the country was divided in 1954, the North focused on building socialism under the leadership of the Vietnam Workers’ Party. The economy in the North followed a centralized planned model, emphasizing nationalization and agricultural cooperatives. Although the living standards in the North improved compared to the early 1950s, many challenges remained due to economic shortages and the pressure to support the South in its struggle against the U.S.

In the South, the Ngô Đình Diệm government, supported by the United States, implemented various measures to consolidate power, suppress opposition movements, and target communist organizations. By 1960, revolutionary resistance and public discontent in the South intensified, leading to the formation of the National Liberation Front for South Vietnam on December 20, 1960. This front would play a central role in the fight against the Ngô Đình Diệm regime and later against U.S. forces.

Amid the Cold War, Vietnam became a hotspot in the broader conflict between the socialist bloc, led by the Soviet Union, and the capitalist bloc, led by the United States. The U.S. increased its intervention in the South, while the Soviet Union and China supported the North and the revolutionary movements.

2. Cultural Context of Vietnam in 1960

In the North, culture continued to flourish under the leadership of the Party, focusing on promoting revolutionary spirit and socialist construction. Art and culture were directed toward political goals, with works focusing on themes of labor, revolutionary struggle, and national solidarity. Literary, musical, and artistic creations during this time reflected the revolutionary spirit and the efforts to build a new life.

In the South, culture was influenced by Western liberal and individualistic ideas, especially from the U.S. and France. However, social division and the suppression of opposition forces under Ngô Đình Diệm’s regime gave rise to works that critically reflected the social reality of the South. At the same time, both folk and urban cultures thrived, producing a diverse range of artistic expressions.

3. The Impact of Vietnam’s History and Culture in 1960 on Art

3.1. Immediate Impact (1960)

Art in the North was clearly directed to serve the revolution and socialist construction. Literary and artistic works focused on praising labor, comradeship, and the fight against the U.S. Many literary and musical creations in 1960 were highly political, encouraging solidarity and the willingness to fight for national independence.

Artists in the South had relatively more creative freedom compared to their Northern counterparts, but they also faced censorship from the government. Some Southern artworks reflected social issues, urban life, and the psychology of individuals amid the escalating war. However, Southern art was also influenced by Western culture, leading to a rich and diverse range of artistic styles.

3.2. Long-term Impact (Future)

The artistic works from 1960 in the North had a profound influence on generations of artists and writers during the war against the U.S. Themes of revolutionary struggle, national construction, and comradeship continued to be explored deeply in Northern art, particularly in literature, painting, and music during the resistance against America (1960-1975).

In the South, the artworks reflecting urban life and the realities of war would continue to inspire artists, writers, and musicians in the post-war period. Notably, Southern art during the war would become a valuable resource for reflecting on a turbulent period in the country’s history.

4. Notable Artistic Works of 1960

4.1. Literature

“Rừng xà nu” (The Forest of Xà Nu) by Nguyễn Trung Thành (Nguyên Ngọc) is a story about the struggle of the Xô Man village people during the war against the U.S. “Rừng xà nu” is deeply infused with revolutionary spirit, igniting patriotism and loyalty to the Party and the nation.

“Sống như Anh” (Living Like Him) by Trần Đình Vân is a book that recounts the life and sacrifice of martyr Nguyễn Văn Trỗi, who gave his life for the national liberation movement. This is one of the most prominent works of revolutionary literature in 1960.

4.2. Music

“Tiến quân ca” (Marching Song) by Văn Cao, though composed in 1944, continued to be widely used in revolutionary events and propaganda activities in the North in 1960.

“Tiếng chày trên sóc Bom Bo” (The Sound of Pestles in Bom Bo) by Xuân Hồng is a famous song from this period, praising the labor and struggle of ethnic minorities during the resistance against the U.S.

4.3. Painting

In 1960, Nguyễn Tư Nghiêm continued to make significant contributions to Vietnamese lacquer art, with works that blended modern style and national identity, reflecting a harmony between traditional and contemporary art.

Although Tô Ngọc Vân passed away in 1954, his artistic legacy remained influential, with his works showcased and honored in Northern cultural events in 1960. His realistic painting style and patriotic spirit continued to inspire generations of painters.

4.4. Film

The film “Con chim vành khuyên” (The Golden Oriole) (1960), directed by Nguyễn Văn Thông, was produced in the North and became one of the most notable films of this period. It reflects the revolutionary spirit and the courage of children during the resistance.