Chuck Kuhn's Asia in Photos: 240 international photographers group up in Vietnam

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

240 international photographers group up in Vietnam

A new photo exhibition called Ha Noi – Trai Tim To Quoc (Ha Noi – The Heart of Country) is offering visitors an opportunity to use 100 images as a portal to journey through the city's history.

240 international photographers group up in Vietnam

Vietnamese photographers will not only take artistic photos

The possibility of portraying the truth of life in photos

Selected from the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) photo archives, the images not only depict the glorious history of our nation from the very first days of its foundation, but also the achievements that have been created during the industrialisation and modernisation process and a glimpse into the daily lives of regular Hanoians.

"The exhibition aims to present different images of the capital to locals and foreigners alike. The photos were taken by VNA photographers over the past 65 years," said VNA deputy general director Nguyen Duc Loi.

Black-and-white images of historical moments, such as President Ho Chi Minh reading the Declaration of Independence in Ba Dinh Square on September 2, 1945, and the first resistance troops on their way to liberate the capital on October 10, 1954, can be seen at the exhibition.

City life: Two among more than 100 photos that are on display at the Ha Noi – The Heart of Country. (Photos: VNS)

The simple life of Hanoians during the American war of destruction, including photos of a night class for illiterate students and a group of kids at play next to a bomb shelter, is also on display.

Veteran photographer Pham Nho Nghia, 83, said the old photos reminded him of the tough and glorious period in the past. "The black-and-white photos have a special meaning for our generation, who have experienced many such memorable moments."

Along with old images of the capital, the exhibit is also showcasing photos of present day Ha Noi, including images of the "ceramic road" – a mosaic project to decorate the 6km cement dike which protects the city from Hong (Red) river floods, the new My Dinh residential complex and the Old Quarter's night market.

The endless vitality of this historic city has also been expressed with a photo of its first-ever mass wedding and another of young people gathered near the calligraphy stalls next to the walls of the Temple of Literature to watch the artisans display their skills during the Lunar New Year Festival.

Former VNA general director Do Phuong said he was impressed by the black-and-white photos at the exhibition, but still wished "to see more old photos that have never been published before".

Le Hong Trang, a young visitor, said the exhibition brought her a glimpse of Ha Noi as it used to be, so she was able to see the difference between the past and the present.

Opened to the public yesterday, August 23, the Ha Noi – The Heart of Country exhibition will run until next Sunday at the Exhibition House, 29 Hang Bai Street.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam New

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They say "

“I can’t say what made me fall in love with Vietnam - that a woman’s voice can drug you; that everything is so intense. The colors, the taste, even the rain. Nothing like the filthy rain in London. They say whatever you’re looking for, you will find here. They say you come to Vietnam and you understand a lot in a few minutes, but the rest has got to be lived. The smell: that’s the first thing that hits you, promising everything in exchange for your soul. And the heat. Your shirt is straightaway a rag. You can hardly remember your name, or what you came to escape from. But at night, there’s a breeze. The river is beautiful. You could be forgiven for thinking there was no war; that the gunshots were fireworks; that only pleasure matters. A pipe of opium, or the touch of a girl who might tell you she loves you. And then, something happens, as you knew it would. And nothing can ever be the same again.”
― Graham Greene, The Quiet American

Tips on Travel to Vietnam

It's always warm in Southeast Asia apart from high mountains, so leave the heavy clothing at home. Cotton and breathable fabrics are always better than synthetics -- although cotton does wrinkle a lot when traveling! December through April is roughly the dry season in that region, although it can still rain a little. December is a good time to go in terms of temperature -- cooler than in the humid summertime. Either way, wearing more clothing (shirt sleeves and long pants) is always more respectful towards the Asian culture, especially when visiting temples and rural areas.