Fourth press caricature contest calls for entries

The biennial Vietnam press-caricature painting contest, the Rong Tre (Bamboo Dragon) Cup, kicked off on November 14 welcoming entries from amateur and professional caricaturists living in Vietnam.

Each competitor may send up to 10 works, between a minimum size of A3 (420 x 297mm) and a maximum size of A2 (524 x 420mm). The hand-drawn paintings and computer-processed graphics will be featured in print and online press publications between January 31, 2012 and February 14, 2014. Both Vietnamese and foreign nationals are eligible to enter the contest.

This fourth contest has an open theme, with entries expected to portray a comprehensive vision of diversified society, through the eyes of caricaturists.

The winner will claim a cash prize of 15 million VND (700 USD) and a year's subscription to The Thao & Van Hoa Cuoi Tuan (Sports & Culture Weekend) publication.

Entries can be sent via post to The Thao & Van Hoa headquarters, 5 Ly Thuong Kiet Street or emailed to biemhoa@thethaovanhoa.vn until February 14, 2014.

At the third competition which last year focused on the environment, the organising board received nearly 500 entries from amateur and professional painters throughout the country.

Hanoi-based Tran Hai Nam won the Bamboo Dragon Cup for his Mieng Ghep Nguoc (Upside-down Piece) symbolising the extinction of the rhino. The cartoon was made in many parts, with the piece representing the rhino's head placed upside down. It was designed to remind people of the fact that the rhino is now extinct in Vietnam.