Ruptly
"As Vietnam prepares to celebrate Reunification Day on April 30, a 26-year-old local pastry chef-artist has discovered a remarkable way to honour this historic occasion. Nguyen Huu Thien An has created a stunning one-metre-high artistic cake resembling a narrative sculpture, seamlessly blending culinary craftsmanship with a profound historical message. Footage captured on Thursday showcases the cake, vividly designed to honour the sacrifices of previous generations. It is structured vertically to represent various layers of wartime history and emotions. A striking mother's face serves as the centrepiece, reflecting sadness from loss, along with the quiet strength and resilience of those who endured the war. Nguyen explained the significance of this focal image, "I chose the mother as the central figure because I wanted to portray her as a living witness to the suffering of those who did not directly participate in the war. Through this work, I hope to convey a message to the younger generation to live worthy of what they have, reminding them that behind today's peaceful life lie countless sacrifices and unfulfilled dreams." The cake's base meticulously recreates the famous underground tunnel system used by soldiers. Its exterior is shaped like a rocky cliff face, blending natural textures with a historical narrative. Hand-sculpted tiny soldiers are strategically placed within and around the tunnels and cliffs, bringing the wartime scene to life. This cake serves as a tribute to those who may not have carried guns but instead bore the emotional wounds of war, including mothers and wives. Nguyen shared insights into his creative process, "Many might think the biggest challenge was the intricate details within the underground tunnels. However, for me, the greatest difficulty was how to evoke the viewer's emotions through the mother's perspective." Through his artwork, Nguyen aims to express gratitude and honour the spirit of national unity through the language of food. He hopes this edible masterpiece will encourage younger generations to remember the past while looking forward to a united future. Unveiled just days before the national holiday, the towering cake has captured attention and gone viral on social media due to its scale and intricate symbolic details. Weighing 30kg (66lbs), this monumental culinary creation was crafted from fondant (sugar paste) and rice flour, taking approximately two months to complete - from sketching to sculpting the character and detailed terrain. It is expected to be displayed at a local community event leading up to the April 30 celebrations. Reunification Day, also known as Liberation Day, commemorates the fall of Saigon in 1975 and the end of the Vietnam War."
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