On September 26, the Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities Research, USSH, VNUHCM, organized the national scientific conference “Religion and Art: Theory and Practice.” The conference attracted researchers, lecturers, artists, and students interested in the intersection of religion and art.
In the opening speech, Dr. Phan Thanh Dinh, Vice Rector of the University, emphasized that studying the relationship between religion and art is not only scientifically significant but also contributes to cultural and social orientation. This affirms the role of both fields in contemporary life. According to him, the conference is an opportunity to clarify theoretical issues, open interdisciplinary approaches, and propose practical solutions for preserving heritage, promoting artistic values associated with religion, and building a network of academic connections.
In the welcome remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Hong Xuan, Director of the Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities Research, emphasized that religion and art have long been intertwined throughout history, both reflecting and nurturing people's spiritual lives. According to her, this connection is expressed in various forms of creativity, including painting, sculpture, music, theater, and contemporary art forms. As Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Hong Xuan stated that the Organizing Committee of the conference selected 26 outstanding papers for publication, focusing on two areas: theories on religion and art from the perspectives of philosophy, aesthetics, and cultural studies; and examining the values of religion and art through cinema, theater, and music while highlighting the social and humanistic significance of these practices.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Hong Xuan affirmed that religion and art are two pillars that shape cultural identity and humanistic values - Photo: HUY MAI
At the conference, researchers proposed several ideas revolving around the relationship between religion and art from various perspectives. Dr. Tran Ky Dong proposed a new theoretical framework to analyze religious symbols through the study of the Mother Goddess Religion. Mr. Pham Thuan Hai Thao explored cinematic language in the film "Trăng nơi đáy giếng" (Moon at the Bottom of the Well) to explain religious elements. Dr. Vo Thi Yen analyzed the integration of Buddhist philosophy in theatrical art. A research group consisting of Ms. Tran Ngan Ha, Ms. Khuong Le Bich Ngoc, and Ms. Vo Le Ngoc Tran examined the restructuring of sacredness in the gong performance of the Jrai people. Meanwhile, Ms. Vu Minh Thu emphasized the need to preserve the Gregorian chant heritage in the modern context.
Dr. Tran Ky Dong presented "Religious Art Symbols: An Approach from Structural Anthropology and Phenomenology with Reference to the Typical Vietnamese Mother Goddess Religion - Proposing a New Theoretical Framework."
Mr. Pham Thuan Hai Thao presented "The Sacredness and Its Manifestation in the Art of Cinema: The Case of the Film 'Trăng nơi đáy giếng (Moon at the Bottom of the Well)'"
Dr. Vo Thi Yen gave her speech “Buddhist Philosophy in the Play Chuyến đò định mệnh (The Ferry of Destiny)”
Ms.Vo Le Ngoc Tran presented her speech “From Traditional Ritual Space to Religious Space: Restructuring the Sacredness in the Gong Performance of the Jrai People.”
Ms. Vu Minh Thu presented her speech “Gregorian Chant and the Orientation for Preserving the Sacred Music Heritage in Vietnam.”
After the speech presentation, there was a discussion session moderated by Dr. Duong Hoang Loc, Director of the Religious and Development Research Program at the Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities Research, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNUHCM, and People’s Artist-Director. Trinh Thi Kim Chi, Vice President of the Ho Chi Minh City Theater Association.
Dr. Duong Hoang Loc and People’s Artist-Director Trinh Thi Kim Chi chaired the discussion - Photo: HUY MAI.
The discussion was lively, with contributions from scholars, artists, and directors. In particular, Prof. Dr. Do Quang Hung highly appreciated the presentations and noted: "The relationship between religion and art is a broad topic that needs to be approached multi-dimensionally, both from the theoretical aspect and from the practical aspects of community life." Artists such as People's Artist Trinh Kim Chi, Meritorious Artist Hanh Thuy, and Journalist-Director Thanh Hiep also offered many insights from the practical aspects of artistic activities, emphasizing the importance of linking academic research with composition and performance.
Prof. Dr. Do Quang Hung speaks about the relationship between religion and art during the discussion - Photo: HUY MAI.
Journalist and director Thanh Hiep shares a practical perspective on incorporating religious elements into art composition and performance - Photo: HUY MAI.
Meritorious Artist Hanh Thuy discusses the connection between art and religion from the perspective of cinema and theater - Photo: HUY MAI.
In his closing speech, Dr. Duong Hoang Loc emphasized that the conference had achieved its set goals, opened up new research directions, and affirmed that the University of Social Sciences and Humanities will continue to promote research programs and academic publications on the topics of religion and art in the future.
The conference ended in a spirit of open academia, highlighting the need to continue exploring, dialoguing, and connecting religion with art, two fields that together contribute to shaping the cultural and spiritual life of contemporary society.
