Foreign photographers capture snapshots of modern Hanoi

By Hieu Nhan   May 10, 2023 | 08:09 pm PT
Tenement houses, the old quarter and railways in current Hanoi have been captured through a series of foreign photographers’ lenses, with the images used as part of an ongoing exhibition.
Foreign photographers capture snapshots of modern Hanoi

Alexandre Garel, a 52-year-old French photographer, living in Ho Chi Minh City, took a photo of this neighborhood on Kham Thien street, part of a series of photos being exhibited at the 22 Hang Buom Street Arts and Culture Center between April 22 and June 3.

Foreign photographers capture snapshots of modern Hanoi

Another photo of a neighborhood in the old quarter of Hanoi by Hanoi. He first came to Vietnam in 2011 and immediately fell for the country. His photos are mainly of architecture and daily life. Garel has published the book “Saigon: Portrait of City.”

Foreign photographers capture snapshots of modern Hanoi

Another photo of the old house on Hang Bo street by Garel, who enjoys taking photos of old buildings in the sun.

Foreign photographers capture snapshots of modern Hanoi

The 57-year-old American documentary photographer Peter Steinhauer mainly takes photos of old tenement houses in Hanoi. These buildings, which are characterized by a history of over 50 years and a dilapidated state, give Steinhauer various impressions.

“These old tenement houses will be taken down and replaced with modern apartment complexes. I have to capture them through my lens in the meantime,” Steinhauer said.

Steinhauer first came to Vietnam in 1993 and returned many times after. He has taken photos of many locations in Vietnam, in northern and southern regions, as well as mountainous and delta regions. He published the book “Enduring Spirit of Vietnam, Vietnam Portraits and Landscapes.”

Foreign photographers capture snapshots of modern Hanoi

Sébastien Laval, a French photographer, brought to the exhibition his collection of photos named “From 6 p.m. to 6 a.m,” which focuses on capturing nightlife in Hanoi. This photo of the neighborhood surrounding the railways on Tran Phu street is part of the collection.

Laval first came to Vietnam in 1995. Since then, he has taken many photos in various regions in Vietnam. He held many exhibitions and published the book “Hue - The City of Crying Stones.”

Foreign photographers capture snapshots of modern Hanoi

Laval recalled that he was surprised when he first saw railways with buildings nearby.

“I didn't see any signs of hesitation or fear in residents of those neighborhoods. The vibrant atmosphere in Hanoi couldn’t be found elsewhere,” Laval said.

Foreign photographers capture snapshots of modern Hanoi

Laval took this photo on Pham Su Manh street. He often wanders the streets at night in order to capture the tranquil atmosphere of the city.

“Hanoi shines splendidly at night after countless lights are on,” he said.

Foreign photographers capture snapshots of modern Hanoi

Green trees, yellow houses and lights from vehicles on Hang Hom street as captured by Laval.

Foreign photographers capture snapshots of modern Hanoi

Nguyen The Son, the exhibition’s curator, said that foreign photographers, including those who visited the city for the first time and those who have visited the city before, think of Hanoi as an appealing destination.

“Each artist has their own unique interpretation and representation of Hanoi,” he said.

Foreign photographers capture snapshots of modern Hanoi

Laval took this photo of Hang Huong alley in Hang Ma ward, Hoan Kiem district. Its name “Hang Huong” can roughly translated as “alley of incense stores,” as the alley is mainly occupied by incense makers who come from Hung Yen, a neighboring province of Hanoi.

 
 
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