Photographer Nguyen Viet Dung Captures Hoi An's Hidden Charms in "Hoai Pho" Exhibition and Book

Photographer Nguyen Viet Dung has unveiled "Hoai Pho" (Yearning for the Streets), a collection of photographs and a newly released book that offers an intimate glimpse into the ancient town of Hoi An. The exhibition, held at the Institute of Cultural Exchange with France (IDECAF) in Ho Chi Minh City, showcases Dung's dedication to capturing the authentic spirit of the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Dung describes "Hoai Pho" as an effort to preserve the soul of Hoi An through a simple lens, telling the story of a town that resides in the hearts of those who have experienced it. He hopes the images will serve as a key to unlock distant memories for viewers as time fades their recollections.

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I want to preserve the soul of Hoi An through a very simple perspective, telling the story of an ancient town in the consciousness of anyone who has ever had Hoi An in their life. So that when memories become hazy and fade, the photos in Hoai Pho will be like a key, helping us find our way back to distant memories.

The exhibition presents 24 color photographs, each symbolizing a different hour of the day. Combined with carefully arranged lighting and spatial design, the display aims to evoke memories and emotions associated with Hoi An's essence. The collection documents the ancient town's narrative across 24 hours and four seasons, a project Dung pursued over seven years.

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In the hustle and bustle of life, I see photography as a way to slow down and preserve the things I cherish.

Distinctively, Dung avoids Hoi An's iconic landmarks, instead focusing his lens on old houses, narrow alleys, and the quiet scenes and people that define Hoi An in the memory of its native Quảng people. He views photography as a means to slow down life's pace and preserve cherished moments. The accompanying "Hoai Pho" book features 56 color images and is published in a bilingual Vietnamese-English edition by the Writers Association Publishing House.

"When people visit Hoi An today, they see more shops than Hoi An's unique beauty," Dung observed. "Through these pictures, I hope people will visit Hoi An at times when tourists are not yet present and the shops are not yet open. Then, you will feel how beautiful Hoi An truly is," he added. The exhibition runs from June 13-14 at IDECAF.

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People visiting Hoi An today will see more shops than Hoi An's unique beauty. When taking these pictures, I hope people will come to Hoi An at times when tourists have not yet arrived and the shops have not yet been set up, and then you will feel how beautiful Hoi An is.