An Idyllic and Poetic Hanoi in Photographs

Photo exhibition ‘Hanoi – A time to remember” displays 86 artworks by two photographers Le Bich (Vietnam) and Andy Soloman (UK). The artworks are diary pages recording the meaningful transformations of Hanoi.
October 16, 2024 | 07:16
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Photographer Le Bich (Vietnam) and Andy Soloman (UK) have captured authentic moments as the Hanoian went through the renovation period from 1992 to 2012. This is the time when the city began to witness drastic transformations, all expressed in a rustic and simple way.

Born and raised in Hanoi, photographer Le Bich's life is associated with memories and images of the city, and wished to express them through photography.

An Idyllic and Poetic Hanoi in Photographs
Photo exhibition ‘Hanoi – A time to remember” displays 86 artworks by two photographers Le Bich (Vietnam) and Andy Soloman (UK) (Photo: qdnd.vn).

The works bring out a nostalgic and familiar look that Hanoi is famous for. There is a photograph of the innocent gaze of children during the break after class. Other photos captured the scene of everyday life in a barbershop, or a group of local elders out on the street to give New Year’s Greetings.

Each photo carries a special hidden story, said the Vietnamese photographer, showing the calm demeanor of the Hanoi people.

For example. "Hanoi on a drizzly day" by author Le Bich is a unique photo of "Hanoi" with its simplicity and tranquility. The photo shows the symbolic Sword Lake is dim in the drizzle. There are three old men, they are the embodiment of the class of elders who have gone through many ups and downs in life. They were captured sitting by the lake calmly, without any hurry, as if immersed in the stream of thought, immersed in the quiet space of heaven and earth.

Sharing about his connection with Hanoi, photographer Andy Soloman recalled his first time here in 1992. From that time, he immediately grew a bond with the city. Wherever he went, he received a kind reception and great hospitality. Looking back those memories are an important record of his life in the city.

An Idyllic and Poetic Hanoi in Photographs
The artworks are diary pages recording the meaningful transformations of Hanoi (Photo: qdnd.vn).

"Over the years, I have returned to Hanoi many times. Although the city has changed in many ways, its essence has remained the same. The energy and humanity that fascinated me since 1992 is still alive today, and Hanoi will forever hold a special place in my heart," said reporter Andy Soloman.

Describing each of his works, Andy provides the story behind in great detail. They all contain the love that he has for Hanoi.

An Idyllic and Poetic Hanoi in Photographs
The photos captured authentic moments as the Hanoian going through the renovation period from 1992 to 2012 (Photo: qdnd.vn).

One photo showed the scenery Andy came across while spending the afternoon walking down the banks of the Red River. There are tattered huts, tea shops and small factories collapsing. Despite their conditions, the people of these place welcomed him with a friendly and generous heart.

Andy Soloman expressed his desire to find each character again, listen to their stories and take pictures of them in present time. To Andy, even the children selling newspapers on the street are also dearly missed. Their eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as they tried to say a few words of English to Andy as they walked along the lakeside.

An Idyllic and Poetic Hanoi in Photographs

The exhibition shows Hanoi through drastic transformations, all expressed in a rustic and simple way (Photo: qdnd.vn).

The exhibition attracts many visitors of all ages and nationalities. Visitor Hoang Thi Mai Phong (85 years old) shared that the exhibition left a great impression because watching these photos reminds her a lot of the old days.

"Now, when I see our city growing, I feel proud that I have also had a part of it,” said the Hanoian visitor.

Pham Thao Nguyen, a 21-years-old visitor said that looking at these photos reminded her of her childhood.

"The photo of the child and his mother looking at the newly bought toy made me cry because it was like me, like my old house. A small boat running on a water basin is the dream of a child in the old days," said Nguyen.

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