To contribute to the fight against drugs, photographer Pham Hoai Thanh spent a year working with 50 people who have overcome drug addiction, as well as some who still use illegal drugs, and the result is the first photography exhibition about the lives of drug users.
In their own words, the subjects explain how they first became involve with drugs, their battles against the long-term effects of addiction and most of all, their desire to create new lives as productive members of their families and communities. Their stories celebrate the support they have received from loved ones and social organisations, including behavior-changing activities, needle and syringe exchanges, methadone treatments, and the invaluable help from others in their community who have had the same experiences.
Pham Hoai Thanh said: “ People are products of society. There are drug- users in society because there are drugs in the community. But people who have come off drugs are able to stand up again because they have support from their loved one, their family, friends and the community.”
These stories are not intended to lay blame or to make excuses for the subjects’ decisions, said Thanh. “But in today’s society, where drug use cannot be completely controlled, the perspective of this book will hopefully help readers develop a fuller, more objective understanding of this issue,” he added.
At the opening ceremony, poet Bang Viet said: “ Pham Hoai Thanh has spent a lot of energy on this exhibition. He has also held two photo exhibitions on the lives of people living with HIV in 2005 and 2008. His exhibitions are becoming increasingly humanitarian.”
Nguyen Thanh Tuan, one of the 50 people featured in this photo exhibition said : “ I’m very moved to take part in this exhibition today as a subject. I want to thank photographer Hoai Thanh for presenting the viewers with a more positive angles of look about drug users. There are so many stories that we don’t know. I hope people will look upon us more humanely now.”
The exhibition will run until June 25 at Exhibition House, 29 Hang Bai, Hanoi./.
