Foreign photographer clicks into daily routines in Viet Nam
HA NOI - March 6, 2003
For Richard Vogel, a photo capturing the tranquillity of daily rural life is just as valuable as an action shot from the heart of the latest war zone.
A Ha Noi exhibition is currently showcasing the Associated Press’ photographer’s Viet Nam collection; a must for anyone with an interest in the country.
Hosted by the Press Club, the exhibition offers "a glimpse through a window into the world of the Vietnamese people", as Vogel puts it.
His display is made up of 39 pictures in both black-and-white and colour, and surpasses previous attempts by both amateur and professional ex-pats to capture the spirit of the nation.
Vogel’s works have previously appeared in Time, Newsweek, The New York Times, Britain’s Sunday Times, The LA Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Life and The Far Eastern Economic Review, to name but a few.
The photos on display were all taken over the past five years, whilst Vogel was covering local news and feature stories.
They’re proving a hit with the punters, one of whom said the display "captured striking colours, expressions, peace and timelessness."
Vogel admits he’s a better photographer than a writer, and describes these shots not as news photos, but as reflections of everyday life in Viet Nam, adding "Viet Nam’s diverse culture, people and history are of great interest to me."
He’s lived in Ha Noi for the past five years and it’s a city he’s learned to love. "The tree lined streets, lakes and slower pace of life suit my lifestyle," he says, adding "when I come back from an assignment overseas it’s always like coming home-I feel very relaxed here."
Viet Nam has proved a major inspiration for the photographer; everywhere he travels in the country he sees something to capture his imagination.
And he has seen plenty of the world to judge it by, covering fighting in Afghanistan and Kashmir, two coups in Cambodia and conflicts in Myanmar and the Philippines.
But he says these pale in comparison with the hair-raising experience of crossing the roads in the Vietnamese capital.
During his overseas assignments he has developed the ability to deliver unique dramatic images under the most adverse conditions.
But for Vogel, war zones are all part of the job and in interview he prefers not to dwell on them for too long.
You can catch Vogel’s exhibition at the Press Club, 59A Ly Thai To Street, Ha Noi.
Fundraising activities for the restoration of painter Tran Van Can’s Em Thuy (Little Thuy) artwork are also held on this occasion.
The club also hosts a Reuters’ news corner focusing on international affairs and is open to the general public. — VNS
