Professional meeting place for photographers

From November 1 to 30, Hanoi seemed to transform itself to the rhythm of an “open gallery”, where photography entered life, touched every street corner and became a new energy source for the city. Photo Hanoi'25 created a long-lasting art festival atmosphere, blowing a youthful breeze into the city with 22 exhibitions and 28 sideline activities spread across Hoan Kiem Lake, the Temple of Literature, the Old Quarter and the facade of the French Embassy.

Photo exhibition "The Provincial Examinations at the end of the 19th century" is part of the Photo Hanoi'25 event.

The organizers do not consider Photo Hanoi'25 as just a series of exhibitions, but want to establish a "Capital's Photography Month", creating a time for anyone to watch, ask questions, talk and practice photography through a series of forums, talks, portfolio reviews or art tours. That model creates a new cultural structure: Artists do not stand alone on a high podium but become leaders; the public is not just viewers but creative companions. The open organization also brings photography out of fixed galleries, into everyday life, into the flow of people and public spaces, in the true spirit of a decentralized, equal and community-oriented biennale (cultural and artistic event held every 2 years).

The highlight of Photo Hanoi'25 lies not only in the elaborate exhibitions but also in the ability to generate community energy. The event attracts a large number of young creative groups such as: Stories of Hanoi, Hanoi FM, Humans of Hanoi... and creates a natural meeting place between young artists and seniors, between Vietnamese artists and international colleagues. Photographer Nathyfa Michel (from French Guiana) shared: “This is the second Biennale I have participated in Hanoi. I am really impressed with the energy and dedication of the organizing team. They strive to prepare everything carefully, meet the needs of the artists and contribute to the success of the collective exhibition”.

Photo Hanoi'25 brings together more than 170 artists, photographers and curators from 21 countries such as France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Japan, the US, China... At the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam, the photo exhibition "The Provincial Examinations at the End of the 19th Century" by André Salles uses dry panel technique to bring a unique slice of Vietnamese culture at the end of the 19th century. The photos placed under the old bamboo canopy evoke the feeling of stepping back into the atmosphere of the imperial examinations, helping viewers once again touch the spiritual heritage of Hanoi.

Along with that is the return of photographers who have accompanied Vietnam from the 1970s to the post-renovation period such as: Daniel Roussel, Gilbert Bertrand, Lily Franey and Andy Soloman - who spent more than 3 decades on photo projects in Vietnam, returning to Hanoi to meet and photograph the characters who appeared in his works from the 1990s.

These multinational prisms show that Hanoi is not only a place where Vietnamese artists can express their voices, but also a fulcrum for world artists to tell their stories about Vietnam. This reflects the trust of the international community in Hanoi as an emerging art center, and at the same time affirms the nature of a creative city: Creativity is not only to nurture itself but also to welcome and connect creative flows from everywhere.

Director of the French Institute in Vietnam, Mr. Eric Soulier, commented: “Photo Hanoi'25 is affirming its position as one of the most important photography events in Vietnam, comparable to international biennales, but still maintaining its own identity, a biennale nurtured by Vietnamese creativity and always open to the world.”

Promoting creative city branding

Ms. Bach Lien Huong, Director of the Department of Culture and Sports of Hanoi City, said: “Photo Hanoi'25 - international photography biennale is being implemented to contribute to realizing the spirit of the cooperation agreement between the Embassy of the Republic of France in Vietnam and the People's Committee of Hanoi City, on the gradual transfer of technology and technical support from France, helping Hanoi become a center of photography with stature and a strong brand. The event gathers and attracts the attention of many famous domestic and international photographers; enhances the professionalism of the capital's photography art; promotes cultural exchange and dialogue between Vietnam and the world."

Previously, through two seasons in 2021 and 2023, Photo Hanoi has proven its strong appeal with more than 170,000 visitors and 5 million social media accesses. This year, the event attracted more than 200,000 interested and participating people, especially a large number of young people in the capital who love the art of photography. From the numbers, professional feedback, to the way the event spreads in the community, it can be seen that Photo Hanoi is playing the role of a "soft infrastructure" to foster the brand of Hanoi - a creative city.

With the above positive signals, Mr. Jonathan Baker, Chief Representative of UNESCO Office in Vietnam, affirmed: “Photo Hanoi'25 once again affirms Hanoi's growing position as a dynamic creative city. The energy of young artists, the strength of the local creative community and the city's commitment to considering culture as a driving force for development, all have contributed to shaping a future where creativity is not only honored but also nurtured to thrive"./.

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/van-hoa/van-hoc-nghe-thuat/thu-do-sang-tao-trong-thang-nhiep-anh-1015545