Making art has nothing to do with luck, but hard-work and dedication

An exhibition and book-launching ceremony was held in Ho Chi Minh City on July 7. The exhibition then took place at the Vietnam Women's Museum in Hanoi on August 7 and 8 and will be staged at the Dien Bien Phu Historical Victory Museum in Dien Bien Province on September 2.

Nguyen A granted an interview to Thoi Nay (Present Day), a publication of Nhan Dan (People) Newspaper, to talk about his latest book and his memories from the Dien Bien trip.

Question: You have shown great interest in historical topics. Do you feel somewhat pressured when working on the topic of the 70th anniversary of Dien Bien Phu Victory?

Photographer Nguyen A: Although I have worked on many important events, the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory was a pressure for me. I was present in Dien Bien Province before the grand ceremony and visited many relics and locations such as De Castries Bunker, Al Hill Historical Relic, Dien Bien Phu Martyrs Cemetery, General Vo Nguyen Giap Memorial Area, and Dien Bien Phu Historical Victory Museum.

I managed everything by myself and tried not to miss any activities, from the preparations for the grand ceremony, street parades, and the military parade, to the portraits of the few remaining living historical witnesses and war veterans who devoted their youth to the glorious history of our nation.

I always encouraged myself to try my best to overcome all obstacles and difficulties that arose during the work.

Through my photos, I want to spread the value and stature of a great victory which “resounded throughout the five continents and was world-shaking.”

Q: Can you tell us about deep impressions that land of Dien Bien has left on you?

The cover of the ‘70 years of Dien Bien Phu Victory - The resounding heroic song’ photo book by Nguyen A (Photo: toquoc.vn)

A: During my trip, from the preparations to the official opening day of the grand ceremony, I witnessed the hard work and determination of the young soldiers who participated in the military parade.

In addition to the enthusiasm, friendliness and hospitality of the Dien Bien people, the entire country's whole-hearted attention to Dien Bien during the heroic days in May created a wonderful resonance for the event. I’m aware that I need to work harder and make further contributions to spread more positive messages to life.

Q: Can you share with us memorial moments during your book launch and exhibition held in Ho Chi Minh City?

A: I appreciated the attendance of Dien Bien Phu war veteran Nguyen Thi Ngoc Toan, whose wedding ceremony was held on the battlefield after the Dien Bien Phu's triumph 70 years ago; and 97-year-old Colonel Hoang Ngoc Thuong, former Deputy Captain of the Artillery Company of the 351st Artillery Division.

The two elders shared their memories on Dien Bien Phu campaign. Their stories touched the hearts of the many young people attending the event.

Q: With more than 30 years working in photography, what is your secret in working with special topics?

A: We must never stop learning. We cannot work cursorily, but we need to place our heart into it.

We must press the shutter even before the moment the action takes place until it ends.

Never be afraid to ask questions, if you learn from people who are experienced in the profession and have social knowledge, you will certainly achieve fast progress.

Q: You are appreciated by your colleagues for being full energy. Is this source of energy available from the first day you got involved in photography?

A: I have eleven siblings, and I went through a poor and difficult childhood. I worked in dozens of different jobs. My success today is attributed to perseverance and the support of my family.

Photography, up to this point, is still like a beautiful dream for me. I have received a lot from many beautiful stories in life in which I found love to people and life, and I held that it is also the core value of life.

Whatever it is, you have to go to the end, you have to take kindness and fairness as the prerequisites. Constantly improving yourself, that is very important. Making art has nothing to do with luck, but hard-work and dedication.

The book features nearly 300 photos taken by Nguyen A during his 11-day trip to Dien Bien Province in May this year (Photo: toquoc.vn)

Q: Can you tell us what has earned you the opportunity to work at such special events and places?

A: I had the opportunity to accompany the Vietnamese peacekeeper in South Sudan under the approval of the Ministry of Defence. Before that, I had thoroughly researched this special force, then I sent my photo books to the leaders of the Ministry of National Defence in search of its approval.

When I received the decision from the Ministry, I cried; it was truly a great, choking, and indescribable emotion because it was a precious opportunity. That’s it, I only have my heart, my smile, my artworks, and my efforts.

Thank you so much for the conversation!