Khanh Truong [p.3]

KT: With regard to literature, I don’t think we have the groundbreaking works that surfaced in the ‘80s and ‘90s, with Le Thi Hue, Vu Quynh Huong, Phan Thi Trong Tuyen, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Nhung, The Giang, Do Kh., Ngo Nguyen Dung, Ngoc Khoi, Tran Vu, Nguyen Thi Hoang Bac, Nguyen Y Thuan, Cao Xuan Huy, Nguyen Thi Thanh Binh... and then Le Minh Ha, Le Thi Tham Van, Mai Ninh, Mieng, Pham Hai Anh...Thirty years after 1975, the first generation is quietly following each other into silence. Generation 1.5 is not as prolific. The next generation will just be separate, individual efforts. I don’t think there will be a significant movement. It will probably lack a general air of excitement, from author to readers. Excitement and camaraderie are the two necessary ingredients for a world of literature.

More than 10 years ago, in another interview, I predicted that there would be a day when Vietnamese [diasporic] literature would join the main flow in Viet Nam, if there are Vietnamese authors from the diaspora who still choose to use Vietnamese as a vehicle of expression. When this happens, there will no longer be categories like “Vietnamese Diaspora writer” or “Vietnamese Diaspora literature.” There will only be “Vietnamese writers,” despite their addresses or locations. And maybe because of their addresses, those Vietnamese writers who don’t live in Viet Nam will bring into Vietnamese literature their own flavors and colors, and influences from their separate upbringings. It will help Vietnamese literature be more special, rich and diverse. I think this is already being accomplished by writers like you [Do Le Anh Dao], and other colleagues. As a writer of a previous generation, I’m very happy about this and hope that your hearts will overcome your challenges.

With regard to art, there are many young Vietnamese artists all over the world. They’ve gained significant recognition. However, I think that the recognition is still directed towards individuals, and on a local level. The language of art inherently has no boundaries. It epitomizes beauty. In the face of beauty, anyone can understand the language, whether that person is Asian, European, African...That’s an advantage art has. It’s also a disadvantage of art. Because art possesses a borderless language, it also needs to have a global movement and global success. This is such a tremendous challenge. If an artist does not have miraculous talent, it will be almost impossible for him/her to rise above the boundaries that his/her community and country impose.

NHA: What advice do you have for the young artist?

KT: I don’t dare to give advice. I just have a couple of suggestions. First, the young artist has to be self-aware and be willing to examine whether he/she really has talent. If there is talent, then I suggest that the artist be patient and ready to accept the challenges. If there is no talent, then I suggest that he/she pursue something else. Secondly, when committing to choose art as a life partner, the artist must keep practicing to refine their craft. If there is no talent, you can paint your whole life and still accomplish nothing. If there is talent, you will still accomplish nothing if you don’t practice.