PORTRAITS OF “ÁO DÀI”
HOPE FOR PEACE AND LOVE
A Solo Exhibition By Chiron Duong
Curated by Akkara Naktamna
18 November 2023 - 7 January 2024
Even though the world is becoming increasingly globalized, with Western nations at the forefront of cultural influence, artists continue to create works that reflect their unique cultural identities. This is evident in the photography series "Portraits of Áo Dài - Hope for Peace and Love" by the award-winning Vietnamese fashion photographer Chiron Duong.
Duong became aware of his Vietnamese identity when he was asked while receiving a photographic award in France whether traditional Vietnamese culture influenced his work. He realized that no matter how much he was influenced by Western culture, he could never escape his Vietnamese roots. This realization was sparked by a simple meal of Vietnamese food, which reminded him of the flavors and culture of his home country; the 365-day project of Áo Dài has begun after that.
Duong's photography series captures the essence of the Áo Dài, the iconic national dress of Vietnamese women. It also reflects his childhood memories of seeing his grandmother and mother wearing the dress, which they always looked elegant and proud. These memories and experiences were hidden in Duong's subconscious, but they ultimately inspired him to create photography that is both authentic and unique.
Duong also wanted to use his photography to convey a message of hope and peace to people around the world. The images in "Portraits of Áo Dài - Hope for Peace and Love" represent a new era for Vietnam, one that is free from war and filled with hope, peace, and love that spreads like the seeds of colorful flowers, drifting far into the air until they cover the world.
About the Artist
Chiron Duong (B. 1996, Vietnam)
Chiron Duang, born in 1996, is a fashion and fine art photographer based in Vietnam. Graduated from the Faculty of Architecture Ho Chi Minh City University The inspiration for his work is the culture of Vietnam and the culture of Asia.
He explored the culture and was fascinated by the colors of Asian people. that is not only bright But it also helps raise the mind to feel free, pleasant and filled with many stories.
His works convey the Asian way of life through folktales and traditional beliefs. With photography works that feature colors, materials, emotions, and techniques that express Eastern culture. Especially Vietnamese culture and West Asian culture.
His work also presents a contrast between Children's ambitious spirit and the empty souls of adults in modern society as well
He also won the 2020 Picto Award for Fashion Photography in France. It has also participated in the 37th Hyeres Festival 2022, France and the PhotoVogue 2022 Festival, Italy.
About the Curator
Akkara Naktamna (B.1979 in Bangkok, Thailand)
A self-taught photographer who was born and raised in Bangkok, Thailand in 1979. His work has been exhibited at numerous photo festivals, including the Miami Street Photography Festival 2013, Singapore International Photo Festival 2016, Photo Bangkok Festival 2015-2018, and Dali International Photo Festival 2019.
His photo zine, "Signs," was showcased at the NY Art Book Fair at MoMA PS1 and was collected by the Franklin Furnace Archive and MoMA Library as part of the Anamorphosis Prize in 2016. Akkara is also the founder of CTypeMag, an e-magazine and independent photo gallery that promotes contemporary photography from around the world, particularly from unknown and emerging photographers. In 2022, Akkara curated a large photo exhibition called "Interpreters" at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA). He is currently a photo artist and curator of Kathmandu Photo Gallery in Bangkok.
