I had the pleasure of meeting Vietnamese photographer, Duy-Phuong, at the Art Book Fair in Bangkok in late 2023, where I was instantly captivated by his work. Holding his tribute book dedicated to his late mother, I was deeply moved by the beauty and poetic intimacy it conveyed. His gentle nature and soft character only added to the allure of his art.
Born in 1984 in the Mekong Delta province of Long An, Duy-Phuong grew up immersed in the world of photography. His father, a photographer since 1980, established a small studio in his hometown, which he continues to run at the age of 72. Duy-Phuong’s late mother, after marrying his father, left her career as a teacher to join him as a photographer at the studio, nurturing a family legacy deeply rooted in photography.
Using a photo-documentary approach, Duy-Phuong aims to highlight the changing dynamics of the Vietnamese people and their environment.
Since 2012, his work has gained increasing national and international recognition, featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions at prestigious venues such as the French Cultural Center in Hanoi and Hue, Casa Italia in Hanoi, Sao La Art Space in Ho Chi Minh City, Richard D Baron Gallery in Ohio, and Saatchi Gallery in London. Additionally, he has participated in notable events such as the Angkor Photo Festival in Cambodia, Photo Kathmandu in Nepal, Singapore International Photography Festival, Sequences Photography Festival in Romania, WITP Annual Emerging Artist Exhibition in England, Poznan Art Week in Poland, Start Art Fair in England, and Photo Israel Festival.
Selected for artist residencies at ENSP in Arles, France (2008), and Oberlin College in Ohio, USA (2016), Duy-Phuong’s career reflects a growing influence in both local and global contexts. His work has evolved into a harmonious blend of documentary realism with staged storytelling. Through socially conscious projects and deeply personal works like “When I Miss You, Má”, Duy-Phuong’s unique approach intertwines family, memory, and cultural reflection.
His photography goes beyond just capturing what is in front of his lens; his photographs connect his personal experience with broader and more universal themes. And he has an ability to tell stories that bring us closer to understanding both his subjects and himself.
This interview is a brief exchange I had with him.
How did your photography journey begin?
I recall being 10 years old when I borrowed a film compact camera from my Dad to document my school trip. This marked my start as an “individual” photographer. Alongside this I learnt how to load film and watched my Dad develop photos in the darkroom.
Back in 2008 you were selected for an artist residency program at ENSP Arles in France. This is a significant accomplishment, and I am curious to know how this experience influenced your work and perspective as a photographer. I remember reading an interview where you mentioned choosing the “documentary form, even though in Vietnam, it is not widely respected or developed because it is mostly associated with war and history”. Do you think your time in France allowed you to think about photography in a new way? Did it help you break away from the cultural limitations you faced in Vietnam?
In 2008, I participated in an artist residency in France, where I worked on the “Souvenirs” Project. In 2009, I had my first group exhibition at the Quai Branly museum in Paris. This residency greatly influenced my career as it marked my first photography project completed in just three months. It focused on Vietnamese souvenirs that French people buy in Vietnam. The project provided a unique perspective on how I perceive Vietnam from the outside. While in France, I photographed the Vietnamese souvenirs alongside the individuals who had purchased them. This project proved to be a valuable experience and greatly influenced the organization and arrangement of my subsequent personal photography projects.
As for cultural limitations, I wouldn’t say so. Challenges and limitations in fact stimulate my thinking and work, as difficulties often reveal wisdom, as the Vietnamese proverb wisely suggests.
How does your cultural background as a Vietnamese photographer influence the themes and stories you choose to capture and how do you navigate the balance between personal and universal narratives?
I frequently undertake photography projects that address social issues in Vietnam. Additionally, during my residencies abroad, I also work on projects that align with the local environment and societal context that attracts my attention.
In 2023, after my mother passed away, I began reflecting on my own body of photographic work and decided that I wanted to focus on projects related to my family as well as my personal journey and that of my family within the realm of photography. In the past, I often drew inspiration from societal events and narrated stories that I felt passionate about. However, my perspective has changed, and now, I see my own personal narrative within society as running parallel to broader social issues, where I serve both as a storyteller and a character in my own tale.
One of your earlier series “Holding water” combines, in your words, “a documentary approach with staging.” This mix of documentary-style photography with fine-art-like images is a distinctive feature of your work. How did you discover this personal approach to storytelling, and what drives you to maintain this unique style?
During my time studying photography at the University of Theater and Cinema in Ho Chi Minh City, I was fortunate to learn about the history of world photography. It was there that I discovered the works of Philp -Lorca di Corcia, whose work greatly influenced my “Holding Water” project. From 2010 to 2015 I adopted an approach that combined documentary elements with staged compositions. To me this is the converging point between documentation and poetry in photography.
Your most recent book, “Khi con nhớ Má ” (When I miss you, Má. ) is a lyrical tribute to your late mother. It is difficult to describe it in words and must be held and felt physically to understand it’s poetic narrative. The book unfolds like a vertical accordion and consists of three distinct parts – ‘When I miss you, Má’, ‘Má is everywhere’ and ‘In Search of Lost Time’. Sometimes, these three parts need to be leafed through simultaneously. The book features images of your late mother’s possessions- jewelry, hair brushes, pins, medication. You stage the photos with her possessions, both indoors and amongst nature. What is the message and specific emotions you aim to convey through this work?
I created the book “When I miss you, Má” as a tribute to my mother, who passed away in 2022. While working on the project, I had the chance to revisit souvenirs, memories, and even engage in imaginary conversations with her.
To me, the sentiments of family, particularly maternal love, hold immense value. As a man, a photographer and an Asian, I want to narrate and share my personal story. The love within a family deserves to be shared and embraced around the world.
Are they specific themes or subjects that consistently inspire your work? If yes, what draws you to them?
Photography has been with me since the day I was born up to the present moment. The themes and projects that I pursue are deeply rooted in giving significance to my personal life. It is through photography that I share the stories that have meaning to me.
Can you share a memorable or challenging moment from your photography journey that has left a lasting impact on you?
I believe capturing photos and working on photography projects that center around my family presents the greatest challenge. It involves the decision to share personal and family aspects with an audience.
One of my most cherished moments is recalling many solitary hours in my studio, examining the mementos left behind by my Mom. The process of taking photos allowed me ample time for self-reflection and an opportunity to engage in imaginary conversations with my Mom.
Which modern photographers do you admire and find inspirational?
There are so many photographers worldwide that it would be impossible to list them all! However, a few that instantly come to mind, and are still alive and practicing photography include Boris Zuliani, Hoang Duong Cam and Linh Pham. These talented individuals are actively living and working throughout Vietnam.
Silvia Donà
Instagram: @duyphuong_lenguyen