“The camera is my ticket to the world , opening the door to explore the lives of different people and cultures.” At the Hanoi Heritage Villa (49 Tran Hung Dao, Hanoi), British photographer Andy Soloman shared his story, from the beginning of his career to memorable memories in Vietnam, the place that shaped his artistic style.
Early days in Vietnam
In October 1992, Andy Soloman, then 30 years old, was a photojournalist assigned to Hong Kong (China). His youthful adventurous spirit urged him to explore Asian countries and chose Vietnam as his destination. From the initial plan of a trip lasting a few weeks, he stayed for 3 months and then 7 years in Hanoi. In 1994, he married a Vietnamese girl. Their two sons were both born and spent their childhood years here.
Photographer Andy Soloman arrived in Vietnam when the country was in transition, ready to embrace new opportunities. He clearly felt the changes in society, with promising prospects for those who dare to explore. “Vietnam is a photographer’s dream,” he affirmed. Andy was fascinated by the beauty, diversity of the people and local cultures, from daily life to traditional activities. Every moment has its own value, from the image of farmers working hard in the fields to bustling city scenes, which motivated him to record everything he saw.
The first days in Vietnam were not easy, but he quickly got used to the pace of life here. Andy began to deeply understand the culture, people and customs, from traditional ceremonies to cozy family meals. He spent time talking and listening to the stories of the people, from which he discovered many interesting aspects of life that he had never known before. Each encounter became a new source of inspiration, helping the photographer broaden his vision and enrich his creative journey.
Inspiration for Art Style
Living in Vietnam not only brought Andy rich experiences but also opened up a new horizon for his artistic style. He spent a lot of time immersing himself in the lives of the people, participating in their daily activities, listening to their everyday stories.
“I want my photos to be more than just beautiful images, but also to convey the emotions and stories that I have witnessed,” said photographer Andy. Simple but meaningful moments, from smiles, eyes to daily human actions, are captured in a genuine and delicate way. “I believe that the smallest details often contain great messages,” he said.
When sharing about the influence of From his artistic style to his Vietnamese culture, he said that the hospitality and openness of the people made it easy for him to approach and connect with them. When he had the opportunity to sit down and talk with the people here, everyone often opened up and shared their stories. That is what made his photos come alive and more meaningful.
“This is a photo taken when I came across some cyclo drivers taking a break. I had a great time with them and others on that street. They called me over, invited me to have tea with them, and then had lunch with them right on the street at a roadside restaurant. At the same time, a woman came out of her house, leading two small children. She brought a bouquet of roses and gave them to her two daughters. The two children held hands and brought the bouquet to me, that moment was really beautiful and memorable”, Andy shared the memorable moment when taking the photo.
Through each of his works, photographer Andy Soloman hopes to bring viewers a deeper insight into the diverse and rich life of Vietnam, from the small joys to the hardships that people face every day. The photographer's artistic style has become a bridge, helping him connect not only with people but also with the colorful historical and cultural stories in Vietnam.
Vietnam from past to present
During his return to Vietnam this time, being invited to participate in the photo exhibition “Hanoi - a time to remember”, a program within the series of activities to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Liberation Day of the Capital (October 10, 1954 / October 10, 2024), Andy Soloman gave viewers a nostalgic look at the lives of Hanoi people during the renovation period through black and white paintings taken from 1992 to 2012 and emotions about life in the city as well as the changes of Hanoi through the ages. Andy shared: “My love for this city is hard to describe. From the first moment I set foot here, I was captivated by the land and the warmth of the people here”.
In addition, the British photographer is also eager to continue his landmark project called “Echoes: Vietnam Retraced”, an art project that he initiated two years ago, to record his unique journeys in Northern and Central Vietnam, lasting from October 1992 to January 1993. This project is not simply about taking photos, but also a profound journey of searching, as Andy decided to return to the places he had visited to look for the characters in the photos he took more than 30 years ago.
Sharing his experience, Andy said: “The reactions of the characters when they saw themselves in the photos were really amazing. They were not only moved but also expressed gratitude to me.” These encounters not only helped him recover forgotten memories but also created new connections between the past and the present, connecting the vivid stories he recorded.
“I believe that rediscovering their memories will bring great spiritual value,” he emphasized. Each photo by talented artist Andy Soloman contains vivid memories, creating a bridge between the past and the present, bringing connection not only to the characters but also to the history and culture of the country he loves. The project “Echoes: Vietnam Retraced” promises to bring rich experiences, not only for Andy but also for all those who have the opportunity to admire these works.
Source: https://baolangson.vn/nhiep-anh-gia-andy-soloman-va-hanh-trinh-kham-pha-viet-nam-qua-ong-kinh-nghe-thuat-5025762.html
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