For the past 15 years, Phan Quang Dung has been mastering the art of sand sculpture, creating incredibly lifelike and detailed pieces that capture the beauty of Vietnam’s landscapes and pay homage to its heroes.
Based in Son Tra District, Da Nang, central Vietnam, Dung’s creative process starts with choosing a container, which he meticulously fills with vibrantly colored sand, carefully arranging each grain with a bamboo stick and specialized spoon.
According to Dung, the secret to his stunning sand art lies in his patience and attention to detail. He believes that a single misplaced grain can disrupt the entire artwork.
Once he has finished arranging the sand and is satisfied with his creation, Dung seals the container to ensure the sand stays in place.
Crafting these intricate sand sculptures is a time-intensive process, with each piece taking anywhere from two to seven days to complete.
Among Dung’s most renowned works are sand portraits of the iconic Rong Bridge and Song Han Bridge, as well as famous figures such as late President Ho Chi Minh and Cuban revolutionist Che Guevara.
“Sand painting is a delicate art form,” Dung explains, “It requires dexterity and intense focus. One small mistake can ruin the entire piece.”
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| People of all ages are captivated by the art of sand painting and are eager to try their hand at it in Dung’s workshop. Photo: Thanh Nguyen / Tuoi Tre |
Dung’s journey to becoming a master sand artist has not been without its challenges. There were times when the long hours and financial strain made him consider giving up.
In addition to the time-consuming process of creating his sculptures, Dung also undertakes lengthy journeys of over 500 kilometers to source the colored sand he needs, traveling between Da Nang and the provinces of Binh Thuan and Ninh Thuan.
It is only in recent years that Dung’s dedication to his craft has paid off, with his unique art form gaining recognition at exhibitions and fairs. His sand sculptures are now sought-after as souvenirs and gifts, providing him with a more stable income.
The price of Dung’s sand paintings varies depending on their complexity and size, ranging from several hundred thousand to several million Vietnamese dong. (VND100,000 = US$4)
Beyond creating art, Dung also mentors a small group of young people, hoping to inspire a new generation of sand artists and ensure the longevity of this unique art form.
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| A selection of Dung’s unique sand paintings, each a testament to his skill and patience. Photo: Thanh Nguyen / Tuoi Tre |
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| Dung’s creative process requires intense concentration as he carefully arranges each grain of sand. Photo: Thanh Nguyen / Tuoi Tre |
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| Dung skillfully recreates the iconic Dragon Bridge in Da Nang using colorful grains of sand. Photo: Thanh Nguyen / Tuoi Tre |
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| Dung’s portrait of ‘Uncle Ho’, as President Ho Chi Minh is affectionately known, with children, is a source of great pride for the artist. Photo: Thanh Nguyen / Tuoi Tre |
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| Dung’s tools of the trade include a bamboo stick and a specialized spoon, which he uses to carefully arrange the sand. Photo: Thanh Nguyen / Tuoi Tre |
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| Dung’s dedication to his craft takes him on long journeys to source the colored sand he needs for his art. Photo: Thanh Nguyen / Tuoi Tre |
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