Quang Tri land and people: Perspective from the North Central Art Photography Festival

With the theme: "Land and People of North Central Vietnam in the New Era of Development," photographers in the region brought to the festival their latest works, showcasing the diversity of history, culture, potential, and dynamism in the socio-economic development of the provinces in the region. Many works demonstrated the flourishing progress in the new era of development.

This is a new feature compared to previous art photography festivals, according to the organizers and the judging panel.

Among the 93 works selected for display at the 31st North Central Region Art Photography Festival in 2025, hosted by Nghe An province, Quang Tri province has 20 works by 10 authors, including 16 single photos and 4 photo series. The works all depict the land and people of Quang Tri from diverse and unique perspectives.

The photograph "Bridges Connecting the Two Banks of Quang Tri " by photographer Le Duc Thanh won a gold medal at the North Central Vietnam Art Photography Festival - Photo: NS

Photographer Le Duc Thanh contributed two photo series and one single photo to the festival, the most notable being the series "Bridges Connecting the Two Banks of Quang Tri," depicting bridges illuminated with lights connecting joyful shores. He shared that he had conceived the idea for these works a long time ago, but previously it was just his personal feeling about the modern, brightly lit bridges. When the province was merged, he realized that bridges are not simply connecting two banks for vehicles to cross, but also connect two regions, connecting hearts to unite and build a more prosperous homeland.

That's why he dedicated so much effort and time to creating the artwork. With various angles and frames, the bridges appear vibrant, highlighting their distinctive features and cultural and historical connections through the themes of each photograph in the series, such as: "An Lac Bridge - a pink lotus bud connecting the two banks of the Hieu River," "Hien Luong Bridge - a lullaby connecting the stream of history," "Nhat Le Bridge - bringing us back to Bao Ninh"... and the dance welcoming a new era of growth with Nhat Le Bridge 3, which is taking shape day by day, opening up new development spaces for the urban areas of the new provincial capital.

Le Duc Thanh is an award-winning author in the North Central region, nationally, and internationally. His photo series "Bridges Connecting the Two Banks of Quang Tri" excellently won the gold medal at this festival, further affirming his talent, passion, and inexhaustible creative energy.

The bronze medal-winning work "Ink Painting" by photographer Nguyen Hai depicts the dreamy landscape of the majestic mountains in northwestern Quang Tri. Amidst the swirling mist and clouds, a primeval forest reflects its image on the water's surface, mirror-like in the valley filled with floodwaters. A small boat glides through the waves, leaving a tiny mark of human presence against the vast grandeur of nature. The work is beautiful in its form and has a positive message, reflecting the potential for off-season tourism, adapting to the weather.

In addition to the two outstanding works mentioned above, the works at this festival reflect perspectives on human life, historical and cultural values, and the development potential of Quang Tri province.

Photographer Nguyen Luong Sang showcases the potential for renewable energy development through his work "Evening Light," with the brilliant golden sunlight illuminating the solar panels of this sun-drenched region. This work contributes to affirming and promoting the image of Quang Tri as a developing province with leading renewable energy projects in the region and the country.

On the same theme, Vo Van Thanh's work "Awakening Amidst the Clouds of Khe Sanh" depicts the majestic landscape of the wind farm seemingly suspended in mid-air by layers of fluffy white clouds. Pham Van Thuc's photo series "Crossing the Gianh River" portrays the construction process of the Gianh River bridge in the North-South Expressway project. The composition is structured as a photojournalism about the construction of the longest river bridge on the North-South Expressway.

Photographer Lê Đức Thành's work, "Highway Project Through North Central Vietnam," depicts a key national project with a strong impact on socio-economic development in the region and the entire country. Through close-up, medium, and overall shots, the structures appear robust against the backdrop of the majestic mountains and forests of Quảng Trị and the entire North Central region. Another work on this theme is "Long Đại - North-South Expressway" by Bùi Cường.

"The Light of Peace" by Le Phuoc Thanh is a work that celebrates the aspiration for peace, shining brightly in the shimmering light on the special national historical site of Hien Luong-Ben Hai, while "The Candle of Gratitude" by Nguyen Luong Sang is a photo series that tells the story of meaningful activities to honor the heroic martyrs who sacrificed their lives and blood for today's peace.

It can be said that the theme of historical and revolutionary relics is a strength of Quang Tri, successfully portrayed by many generations of photographers. Showcasing unique cultural aspects are works like "Sunshine in the Craft Village" by Pham Van Thuc, while "Departure" by Le Ngoc Tu and "The Spirit on the Kien Giang River" by Le Duc Thanh bring to the public the vibrant and exciting atmosphere of the boat racing festival celebrating Independence Day on the Kien Giang River...

Capturing the beauty of landscapes is a popular genre in photography. With the advantage of modern equipment, photographers have showcased the rich beauty of nature and the land of Quang Tri, contributing to promoting the image of their homeland to colleagues, the public, and friends nationwide. On this theme, photographer Thanh Vuong has the work "General Giap's Cave," photographer Nguyen Hai has "The City Awakens," and Bui Cuong has works such as "Beside the Nhat Le River," "Sunset in Bao Ninh," and "Legendary Gianh River"...

Coming together under one roof of heroic Quang Tri, the creative space has been expanded. We believe that with the success at the 2025 Art Photography Festival, the Quang Tri photography community will continue to be passionate and committed to their creative journey, contributing to promoting the image of their homeland to friends around the world.

Nguyen Sa

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/van-hoa/202509/manh-dat-va-con-nguoi-quang-tri-goc-nhin-tu-lien-hoan-anh-nghe-thuat-bac-trung-bo-9717933/