Memorable Hanoi: A City’s Resilience and Transformation
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| Photographer Trinh Hai, a nonagenarian, has dedicated his life to capturing Hanoi’s essence and beauty. Photo: Jenna Duong |
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| Trinh Hai’s photo captures Prime Minister Pham Van Dong with missile troops. |
The 19th “Hanoi in My Heart” photo exhibition, themed “Hanoi’s Spectacular Rise,” is currently being organized by the Economic and Urban Newspaper in collaboration with the Hanoi Elderly Photography Club at the Temple of Literature. This meaningful event celebrates the 70th anniversary of the Capital’s Liberation, marking a significant milestone for the city.
For photographers and visitors alike, the exhibition offers a cultural rendezvous, providing an opportunity to admire stunning images that capture Hanoi’s essence. These cherished works, created and preserved by artists, are presented in captivating ways, inviting viewers to embark on a journey through time.
“I had the opportunity to travel to Cambodia twice while working with a press agency,” Hai recalled. “I trained photojournalists and helped set up darkrooms. When I returned in 1988, I learned that the film cabinet was at risk of being burned due to termite damage. I intervened and saved many valuable works, including the photos featured here, which remain relevant today.”
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| Trinh Hai’s photo of Kham Thien Street after a US bombing in December 1972. |
Approaching a photo titled “Kham Thien Street Devastated by B-52 Bombers in 1972,” Hai reflected on the exhibition’s theme, “Hanoi’s Spectacular Rise.” He noted the significant improvements in the living conditions of Hanoi’s residents since the challenging subsidy period, thanks to innovations by the Party and State, as well as the dedicated efforts of municipal authorities.
Capturing Historic Milestones: Vietnam Reunification Day
The works of photographer Nguyen Huu Nen left a lasting impression on exhibition visitors. His photos not only showcase his artistic talent but also capture significant milestones in Hanoi’s history, including the joyous atmosphere during the South’s liberation and the country’s reunification.
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| Photographer Nguyen Huu Nen, 87, shares insights about his works. Photo: Jenna Duong |
“I captured photos in 1975 while working for the Vietnam News Agency,” Huu Nen shared. “One memorable shot was taken from the roof of a tall building near August Revolution Square, capturing the grand celebration filled with emotion and pride.” His notable works include “Rally to Celebrate the Liberation of the South and the Reunification of the Country” and “Hanoi Children Marching to Celebrate,” among others.
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| Huu Nen’s photo captures the rally celebration at August Revolution Square in 1975. |
Huu Nen continued to meticulously document Hanoi’s story, capturing iconic landmarks, festivals, and traditional craft villages. His work spans nearly four decades, offering a glimpse into the city’s evolution and construction. While his photos may not be flashy, they hold historical significance, allowing viewers to connect with the “essence of Hanoi.”
Some of his photos on display at the exhibition include “Children Visiting Uncle Ho’s Stilt House at the Presidential Palace in 1977,” “Nhat Tan Kumquat Garden, 1990,” and “Peaceful Countryside in Quoc Oai District, 2002,” to name a few.
A Tranquil Hanoi: Capturing the City’s Soul
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| Photographer Van Phuc, 86, has captured Hanoi’s essence in his works. Photo: Thanh Hai |
Van Phuc, a renowned Hanoi photographer and long-serving president of the Hanoi Elderly Photography Club, has left his mark on the exhibition. His notable works include “Thong Nhat Park in 1965,” “Peaceful Afternoon at Hoan Kiem Lake in 1976,” and “All for the Frontline,” capturing the dedication of female workers at the March 8 textile factory in 1965.
These images recount the glorious historical days when the people of Hanoi united in their hard work and resourcefulness to support the war effort against America before 1975. Van Phuc shared his inspiration: “As a child of this city, I love Hanoi—its people, its landscapes. I find beauty in the simple things, like the tranquility of Hoan Kiem Lake or the quaint houses of the Old Quarter.”
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| Van Phuc’s photo captures the peaceful atmosphere of Hoan Kiem Lake in 1976. |
The 19th “Hanoi in My Heart” photo exhibition will run until October 10 at the Temple of Literature before moving on to Hanoi’s Cat Linh Sky Train Station and the Hanoi Museum, spreading the love for Hanoi far and wide.
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| Van Phuc’s historic photo captures the inauguration of the Thong Nhat (Reunification) Train in 1976. |
Vietnam News Today: Premier Partnership in Kunming
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“In a bustling week for diplomacy, Vietnam’s Prime Minister meets with Laos in Kunming, while the State President prepares for a packed itinerary, including the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week and visits to Chile and Peru. Ho Chi Minh City also takes center stage, strengthening ties with Cambodian localities. Meanwhile, Vietnam’s tourism sector shines, welcoming over 14 million foreign visitors in just ten months, a remarkable milestone.”
The Crowned Beauty: Vietnam Embraces its Second International Transgender Queen
Nguyen Trang Nhung, a proud native of Vinh Long Province in the majestic Mekong Delta of southern Vietnam, has been bestowed with the esteemed title of Miss Equality World 2024 in Thailand. With her awe-inspiring win, she becomes Vietnam’s second international transgender beauty queen, radiating beauty, grace, and empowerment.
“Celebrating Women’s Empowerment: The Power of Comic Art in Da Nang”
Following the tremendous success of its inaugural exhibition in Hanoi in October 2022, the Embassy of Spain in Vietnam proudly presents the second edition of ‘The World Needs Superheroines’ comic art event, this time gracing the vibrant city of Da Nang.
The Summit of Dreams: Vietnam’s Seventh Heaven for Cloud-Chasers and Wildflower Wanderers
Ta Chi Nhu Peak, nestled in the northern Vietnamese province of Yen Bai, has emerged as a captivating destination for intrepid local hikers. The peak’s allure lies in the ethereal cloudscapes that envelop the region and the breathtaking sight of the rare ‘chi pau’ flowers in full bloom. It presents an irresistible temptation for nature enthusiasts seeking an immersive trekking experience.
The Eternal City: A Photographer’s Journey Through Hanoi’s Past and Present
The exhibition offers a unique insight into the evolving landscape of Hanoi’s streets, as seen through the eyes of its artists. With a focus on realistic depictions, it provides a window into the dynamic changes that shape this vibrant city.
