On December 13th, the "SUNSHINE" photography exhibition officially opened at Noirfoto Gallery ( Ho Chi Minh City), showcasing 30 selected works from Noirfotocontest 2025 - the seventh season of the community project founded by Noirfoto Gallery and operated by AGAD.
From a large number of entries, the organizing committee selected 30 works for exhibition, following a three-tiered selection process: 15 works chosen by the judging panel, 5 works selected by Noirfoto Gallery, and 10 works chosen by public vote. A consistent feature of the Noirfotocontest is that all works are hand-printed from negatives or using a hybrid process, under the supervision of visual artist Pham Tuan Ngoc, to ensure the aesthetic quality and physical value of the artworks.
Observing the exhibition reveals that light is approached as a conceptual medium. Many works utilize sunlight to layer space, creating rhythm and visual tension; others restrain light, allowing shadows to become havens for memories and emotions. According to artist Tran Dai Thang, the series of works does not emphasize technical display but rather demonstrates deliberate control of light, helping the exhibition maintain a consistent flow.
From an artist's perspective, Ha Manh Thang commented: "Sunlight seems obvious, but each photographer finds unique emotions in it. This difference is what creates the appeal of this year's Noirfotocontest." Meanwhile, photographer Duc Dang believes that the light in black and white film photography brings a different kind of depth. "Sunlight" is not only found in the bright areas but is also present in the shadows it leaves behind.
In terms of scale, Noirfotocontest 2025 has a total prize value of hundreds of millions of VND, including 1 Special Prize worth 300 million VND for a solo exhibition, 3 First Prizes (corresponding to 3 group exhibitions) worth 100 million VND each, and 30 Consolation Prizes, each worth 5 million VND and a 22 x 32 cm silver gelatin print. The artwork will be returned to the artist after the exhibition.
Within the framework of the event, the "Birds in the City" Photowalk took place on the morning of December 21, 2025, the same day as the closing ceremony, concluding Noirfotocontest 2025 and marking 5 years of continuous development (2020 - 2025) of the project. "SUNSHINE" is therefore not just a photo exhibition but a milestone showing the effort to place light back at the center of photographic thinking as an aesthetic, critical, and dialogical element with contemporary life.
The "SUNSHINE" photography exhibition is open until December 21st at Noirfoto Gallery, 131 Van An Street, Binh Trung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.
Source: https://baohaiphong.vn/nghe-thuat-va-anh-sang-trong-trien-lam-nang-529505.html
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