The images were taken by Tuan during leisurely journeys or spontaneous encounters while on assignments across Viet Nam. They portray everyday faces from diverse social backgrounds, including miners, shipyard workers, salt field labourers, soldiers, and children.
Each portrait conveys a distinctive story and context, captured vividly and authentically through Tuan’s unique perspective.
Reflecting on his work, Vu Anh Tuan observed that throughout life we witness countless events, meet a wide range of people, and find old memories resurfacing unexpectedly.
The exhibition’s title was inspired by the Places We’ve Been, People We’ve Met column in Nhan Dan Newspaper’s Thoi Nay publication, where Tuan worked prior to his retirement.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Tran Thi Thu Dong, Chairwoman of the Viet Nam Photography Artists’ Association, commended Tuan’s refined and profound photographs, which transform familiar faces into strikingly original works representing people from different regions and professions.
Following the exhibition, all 61 works will be donated to the Viet Nam Women’s Museum in Ha Noi.
Vu Anh Tuan worked at Nhan Dan Newspaper from 1997 until his retirement in 2021. He now serves as Deputy Chair of the Artistic Council of both the Viet Nam Photography Artists’ Association and the Ha Noi Art Photography Association.
He has received numerous accolades from the Viet Nam Photography Artists’ Association and holds the EFIAP (Excellence FIAP) distinction from the International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP).
