Da Nang-based photographer documents frontline forces in COVID-19 fight

2021 has been an unforgettable year for Huynh Van Truyen, a young member of the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists as he has been honored at many national and international photography awards for his topical pictures capturing frontline forces in the COVID-19 fight.

A picture in the photo collection ‘Border checkpoints for the prevention and control of COVID-19 pandemic’ by Huynh Van Truyen.
A picture in the photo collection ‘Border checkpoints for the prevention and control of COVID-19 pandemic’ by Huynh Van Truyen.

Born in 1983 in Da Nang city, Huynh Van Truyen was admitted to the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists in 2016 and is currently working as the Chairman of the Da Nang City Photography Club.

Having a passion for photography since he was a high school student, Truyen actively joined local photography clubs to learn more about photography. He has bagged more than 90 awards in photo contests both at home and abroad. He was also chosen to take photos at the APEC Summit Week in Da Nang in 2017.

Over the past two years of COVID-19 and its impact on every aspect of life, Truyen has focused his works on documenting social and medical topics.

At the recent photo exhibition themed ‘Proud of the country’s borderline’, hosted by the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Communication and Education, and the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists, Truyen won a gold medal for his photo collection entitled ‘Border checkpoints for the prevention and control of COVID-19 pandemic’.

The photo collection won much appreciation from judges and those in the photography community as it vividly recorded the efforts made by soldiers at the Axan border post in Tay Giang district, Quang Nam province to overcome difficulties and safeguard the border area while supporting local people in their fight against COVID-19.

Journalist and photographer Tran Viet Van added that Truyen’s entry succeeded in highlighting the close bond between the army and the people in the battle against the pandemic.

Da Nang-based photographer documents frontline forces in COVID-19 fight  ảnh 1

Photo series ‘Phut Giai Lao’ (Breaktimes) by Huynh Van Truyen.

Also featuring the similar theme of COVID-19 prevention and control, Huynh Van Truyen's photo series ‘Phut Giai Lao’ (Breaktimes) captures a short but precious rest break of the medical staff in Son Tra district when they had to collect samples for COVID-19 for more than 2,200 foreigners in the city. Despite all the blood, sweat, and tears, they showed strong determination and a high sense of responsibility to fulfil their tasks.

‘Phut Giai Lao’ won second prize in the photo contest ‘Da Nang on the frontline against the COVID-19 pandemic’, and then the gold medal at the 26th South Central - Central Highlands Photo Festival 2021.

Huynh Van Truyen has also been active in covering topical issues and stories which attracted much public attention, including military forces disinfecting COVID-19 hotspots in Da Nang, hotel owners who voluntarily turned their facilities into centralised isolation places for people and anti-pandemic forces, as well as the efforts made by the city’s authorities and people to contain the pandemic.

In addition, Huynh Van Truyen has kept a close watch on disaster response, fire prevention and control. On February 14, 2021, soon after hearing about the fire at Tho Quang fishing port, he immediately headed to the scene, quickly recording the catastrophic images of the incident as well as the courage and determination of Da Nang firefighters to contain the fire, save people’s lives, and reduce property damage.

His photo series capturing the event, entitled ‘Fighting against the fire’, was awarded the highest prize at the 2021 photo competition on fire prevention, fighting and rescue.

Last year, he headed to flood-hit areas in Le Thuy district, Quang Binh province, and a severe landslide in Tra Leng commune of Nam Tra My district, Quang Nam province to update viewers about the situation in the areas.

Huynh Van Truyen is working on a solo exhibition entitled ‘Da Nang in My Eyes’ to introduce visitors to the hundreds of photos he has taken in his hometown.

A picture in the photo collection ‘Fighting against the fire’ by Huynh Van Truyen.