1984

The year 1984 was particularly important for the history, culture, and art of Vietnam. Under the influence of the political and social context of the time, art was required to reflect themes that praised the revolution, overcoming hardships, and rebuilding the country. However, it was precisely these challenges that inspired artists, and later, when the Renovation period began, Vietnamese art made significant advancements, absorbing both traditional values and modern creativity, becoming richer in both thought and form.

1. Historical Context of Vietnam in 1984

By 1984, Vietnam had been unified for nearly a decade after the Vietnam War (1975), yet the country still faced numerous economic, political, and social difficulties. At this time, Vietnam was severely affected by the economic embargo imposed by the United States and Western countries, while still in the process of post-war reconstruction.

In 1979, a border conflict between Vietnam and China occurred, and tensions remained high throughout the 1980s. Additionally, Vietnam was involved in the conflict in Cambodia, aimed at toppling the Khmer Rouge regime.

Vietnam continued to maintain a centrally planned economy, facing significant economic hardships. Major economic reforms, such as those seen in the Đổi Mới policy (starting in 1986), had not yet been implemented, resulting in an economic crisis, inflation, and widespread shortages of goods.

The living conditions of the people were challenging. Food shortages, underdeveloped infrastructure, and a centralized distribution system made accessing basic necessities difficult.

2. Cultural Context of Vietnam in 1984

During this period, culture and the arts were tightly controlled by the state, with a focus on glorifying revolutionary heroism, patriotism, and the building of socialism. Artistic works had to follow political propaganda directives, with themes centered around war, national unity, and nation-building.

Although still heavily influenced by the old socialist cultural model, this period marked the beginning of gradual changes in cultural thinking, signaling the reforms that would come with Đổi Mới.

3. The Impact of the Historical and Cultural Context on Art in 1984

In this context, artistic works were required to adhere to the political framework set by the state. However, economic difficulties and the embargo also limited the development of creativity and the production of works. Nonetheless, this was also a period when writers and artists began to feel the need for change, reflecting deeper issues of life and humanity in their creations.

The year 1984 served as an important prelude to the Đổi Mới revolution when the country began to open up, absorbing new ideas from abroad. Artists later had more freedom to create and were strongly influenced by both Western culture and their own experiences during the war and its aftermath.

4. Notable Works of Art in 1984

4.1. Literature

The endless field (Cánh đồng bất tận) by Nguyễn Ngọc Tư (published later but the author began writing it around the 1980s) is one of the standout works reflecting the lives of people in the southwestern region of Vietnam during difficult social conditions. Though born after the Đổi Mới period, the work was heavily influenced by the preceding era.

“Mùa lạc” by Nguyễn Khải is a literary work about rural Vietnam during the socialist period, reflecting the lives and thoughts of people amidst the hardships of the country.

4.2. Music

The country is filled with joy (Đất nước trọn niềm vui) by Hoàng Hà was a prominent song of this period, celebrating the joy of national reunification and rebuilding after the war.

Singing about rice today (Hát về cây lúa hôm nay) by Hoàng Vân was a song linked to labor and agriculture during the period of state subsidies, reflecting the spirit of national construction.

4.3. Painting

To the Fields (Ra đồng) by Nguyễn Sáng is a painting depicting the laboring life of farmers, with a style of socialist realism, symbolizing the era.

Mother and Child (Mẹ con) by Bùi Xuân Phái is a work that reflects maternal love but also contemplates the hardships faced by people in the post-war period.