The iconic national dress of Vietnamese women is rendered through fine art photography during "Portraits Of Ao Dai: Hope For Peace And Love", which will kick off on Saturday and run until Jan 7 next year at Whoop!, 3rd floor of Seacon Square, Srinakarin Road.
Artwork by Chiron Duong. photo courtesy of Hub Of Photography
This is a solo exhibition by award-winning Vietnamese fashion photographer Chiron Duong who took inspiration from the culture of Vietnam. He became aware of his Vietnamese identity when he was asked at a photographic award in France three years ago whether traditional Vietnamese culture influenced his work.
He realised that no matter how much he was influenced by Western culture, he could never escape his Vietnamese roots. This realisation was sparked by a simple meal of Vietnamese food, which reminded him of the flavours and culture of his home country, and the 365-day project for "Ao Dai" began after that.
His photography series doesn't only capture the essence of the Ao Dai but also reflects his childhood memories of seeing his grandmother and mother wearing the dress in which they always looked elegant and proud. These memories and experiences were hidden in his subconscious and ultimately inspired him to create photography that is both authentic and unique.
The artist also wishes to use his photography to convey a message of hope and peace to people around the world. The images on show represent a new era for Vietnam, one that is free from war and filled with hope and peace, as well as love that spreads like the seeds of colourful flowers, drifting far into the air until they cover the world.
There is no admission fee. Visit facebook.com/hubofphotographybangkok.
