Colors of the country through the lens of female artists of the Seagull Club

As scheduled every October, the public who loves photography and Vietnamese culture has the opportunity to enjoy the special works of the Hai Au Women's Photography Club (Ho Chi Minh City) selected for exhibition and book publication. This year, this annual art event marks the 35th anniversary of the oldest women's photography club in the country.

Cover of the photo book of the Seagull Women's Photography Club launched on this occasion.

At the exhibition space of the Ho Chi Minh City Women's Cultural House, the exhibition "Colors of life of Vietnamese ethnic groups" displays more than 100 works by 25 female photographers, vibrant and lively like a cultural tour through images of the country's landscapes and 54 ethnic groups.

Each photo is a piece of life, from the colors of brocade skirts in the highlands to the bright smiles in the early morning fishing villages, from the xoe dance at the festival to the figure of a woman working hard in the fields...

The exhibition was organized by the City Women's Cultural House in collaboration with the Hai Au Women's Photography Club, practically responding to the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam Women's Union (October 20, 1930 - October 20, 2025) and the 35th anniversary of the founding of the club.

On this occasion, Hai Au also introduced a photo book of the same name as the exhibition, nearly 300 pages thick, the result of hundreds of creative field trips by members over the years.

“Through the hearts and lenses of female artists, each work bears a strong mark, like a visual symphony filled with emotions and pride in the traditional cultural identity of the nation,” commented Colonel, photographer Doan Hoai Trung, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Photography Association.

Walking around the exhibition, viewers were captivated by the sharp, unique photos of the Thai, H'Mong, Ede, Dao, Cham people... Many young people stopped for a long time in front of each frame, remembering the memories they had experienced or cherishing the dream of visiting the place. Some were also lucky enough to meet the author himself to chat and learn more about the creative process and regional culture.

Ms. Phan Thi Bich Huong, Member of the Standing Committee of the Ho Chi Minh City Women's Union, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Women's Cultural House shared: "The exhibition not only shows the diverse colors of life, but is also a journey of connecting emotions and strongly inspiring to spread the humane message: Let's preserve and cherish the colors of life - the cultural identity of ethnic groups, because that is a priceless asset, the soul of the Vietnamese people in today's integration flow".

Photographer Nguyen Hong Nga, a long-time member of the Seagull Club, said: “The year 2025 has many special milestones for the country, such as the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South, the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day September 2. Therefore, we want to carry out a theme honoring the spirit of solidarity and harmony of the 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam.”

Two years ago, the club's Board of Directors set the theme and created conditions for members to go on field trips to create. They traveled through the northern mountains, along the central coast, the Central Highlands, all the way to the southwestern region and islands to record everyday moments - where people and nature blend together in a simple rhythm of life. It was this elaborate preparation that created an exhibition rich in both form and depth of content.

In each frame, viewers realize not only the technique, composition, and lighting are carefully taken care of, but also the emotional sedimentation, the gentle but sharp look of the woman. That is what creates the uniqueness of Hai Au - a club that has proven that female photography is not weak, but on the contrary, has the power to connect and move people's hearts.

In the 35-year journey of persistent creativity and dedication, for the Hai Au female artists, photography is not only a passion but also a way to preserve memories and spread love. They are ordinary women, but when holding a camera, they become "storytellers with light".

Most of the members of Hai Au are members of the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists, more than 10 of whom have been awarded the title of International Photographic Artist. Since its inception, the club's female artists have participated in hundreds of domestic and international exhibitions, winning nearly 500 prestigious awards. Familiar names such as Dao Hoa Nu, Thi Tho, Thu Ba, Do Ngoc, Tuyet Mai, Kim Chi, An Dung, Kim Lien, Hong Nga, Kim Thanh... have become the pride of Vietnamese female photographers.

Every year, members also use the proceeds from selling photos and photo books to raise funds for charity, support victims of Agent Orange and those in difficult circumstances, demonstrating the spirit of humanity combined with art. The exhibition "Colors of life of Vietnamese ethnic groups" is open until October 9 in Ho Chi Minh City, and will continue to be displayed to serve the public of the capital at the Vietnam Women's Museum ( Hanoi ) from October 8-15.

MY HANH

Source: https://nhandan.vn/sac-mau-dat-nuoc-qua-ong-kinh-cac-nu-nghe-si-cau-lac-bo-hai-au-post914920.html