Spirit of Viet Nam through photographic lens

The year 2025 marked a particularly productive and creative period for him, highlighted by a series of publications and exhibitions of both topical and artistic value, helping to project an image of a resilient, compassionate, and confidently integrating Viet Nam.

In December 2025, he launched the photo book “80 Years – A confident Viet Vam”, featuring more than 200 outstanding images selected from thousands of frames captured over five years of work, stretching from the northernmost frontier of the country to Ca Mau Cape in the south.

At the event, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu remarked that Nguyen A’s photographs vividly portray the Vietnamese people — from leaders to ordinary citizens — on their journey of overcoming war and hardship to pursue renewal, integration, and development. To capture such rare and magnificent moments, the artist’s journey of labour was far from easy.

Nguyen A noted that major national celebrations present opportunities not to be missed. On the night of September 1, 2025 alone, he remained outdoors from late evening until dawn to cover the event. Each day, he chose a different vantage point, moving constantly to avoid repeating angles and to ensure diversity within the collection. Despite the demands, he viewed this not only as a professional opportunity but also as a responsibility to his craft and to the trust placed in him by colleagues and institutions.

Earlier, in July 2025, he simultaneously released two photo books — “50 Years – The strength of Viet Nam” and “City of Peace – Our city” — accompanied by exhibitions in Ho Chi Minh City and Ha Noi. “50 Years – The strength of Viet Nam” was produced to mark the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification. It focuses on portraying the spirit, determination, and rigorous training of soldiers participating in the military parade and march in Ho Chi Minh City. From veterans who contributed to the historic victory of April 30, 1975 to the younger generation who follow in their footsteps, all are presented through the artist’s distinctive, emotive, and humane lens. Beads of sweat falling under the blazing sun, footsteps across the airfield, formations during rehearsals and as they advanced towards the grandstand, along with seas of people taking to the streets to watch fireworks — all were recorded with authenticity.

According to Nguyen A, this project represented one of the greatest challenges of his career, yet also one of the most emotionally profound experiences, as he witnessed the quiet dedication of so many individuals.

Major General, Associate Professor, Dr Nguyen Van Sau, Deputy Director of the Viet Nam Institute of Military Strategy and History, observed that Nguyen A’s photographs constitute valuable material for traditional education, particularly for younger generations, given the powerful intuitive impact of photographic language.

Meanwhile, “City of Peace – Our city” bears a deeply personal imprint. Born and raised in Ho Chi Minh City, Nguyen A has witnessed each stage of the city’s transformation into the country’s economic and cultural hub. Through his lens, he conveys a message of a peaceful city rising confidently in a new era.

Lecturer Nguyen Thu Huong of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Viet Nam National University, Ho Chi Minh City) commented that Nguyen A’s works enable international audiences to overcome language barriers and feel the rhythm and beauty of Viet Nam. The publications not only recreate historical moments within contemporary life but also convey messages of national pride and the value of peace.

It would be remiss not to mention the photo book “Rising in Nu Village”, released in March 2025, which documents a community’s revival after a devastating natural disaster. Initially, Nguyen A came to Nu Village to gather documentary material. However, upon witnessing the resilience of local residents alongside rescue forces, he conceived the idea of producing the book as a means of recounting a powerful journey of recovery from a land marked by sorrow. The images not only depict loss but also honour acts of solidarity and relief, serving as a source of spiritual encouragement for flood-affected communities.

For Nguyen A, photography is a journey “from heart to heart”. Through each frame, the public not only sees the beauty of the country and its people but also senses enduring vitality, indomitable spirit, and Vietnamese pride. In the spirit of spring — the season of beginnings and hope — his works stand as reminders of the path already travelled while opening up confidence in a Viet Nam that is rising strongly and developing sustainably.