“Graphic design is one of my strong sources of inspiration when carrying out contemporary Vietnamese photography projects.” Chiron Duong, 2022
When I had the opportunity to see poster designs from young designers in Vietnam. I recognize the vibrancy and energy in their design works. Acknowledging some of the limitations of fashion photography, I have experimented with incorporating digital graphic elements into my fashion photography to unleash my imagination. Below are projects in which I had the opportunity to collaborate with talented graphic designers and studios in Vietnam to highlight the themes of dynamism and diversity in each topic.
“Soi Mac Soi Manh” at Huynh Minh Thong Exhibition
The photo series is inspired by direct development and uses motifs of 12 posters (digital posters) – Huynh Minh Thong draws inspiration based on the beauty of heritage and architecture at the “Soi Mac Soi Manh” exhibition. In this set of photos, Chiron Duong brings small stories, including the author’s own imagination about space and time at those heritage works and cultural architecture. Where the author can put himself in the role of posterity, allowing him to have an open look, and go beyond the rules to perceive the mysterious cultural anecdotes surrounding these places.
“Open each layer of ruins of the past and ask questions about past mysteries: Who were they, what were they doing there?” The photo set uses costumes from the Collection: The ancient “VASE”, and “The Women of Illusion” by young designer Tu Bong (Tran Thi Tu)
“Saigon Characters” in “Xon Xao in Saigon” exhibition by XonXao studio
“Saigon Characters”– The photo set is within the framework of the exhibition “Xon Xao in Saigon” organized by Graphic Design studio Xon Xao. Let’s share the art of the keyword Xon Xao about Saigon – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Applying digital graphic elements to create unique characters based on the idea of this exhibition.
” In my opinion, Saigon is a type of sound that symbolizes this place: fertility, prosperity. The frequency of the sound moves from far away to near us. It carries with it its nature. positive qualities mixed with negatives in modern development.”
“Midnight in the Mangroves” exhibition by Chiron Duong
“Midnight in the mangroves” is a non-profit exhibition that combines the art of photography with knowledge of mangroves. It demonstrates the close relationship between arts and education in the community by focusing on the environment and climate. The exhibition presents Chiron Duong’s imagination of the unique spiritual world, based on indigenous stories.
“Midnight in the Mangroves” is a photo series that depicts the perspective and feelings of Chiron Duong about the spiritual and cultural values of the plant and animal ecosystems of the mangrove forest. Divinely sanctify the trees in the colorful light festivity of moonlight. It could be a god that looks like a mudskipper sitting on the blue eyes of a crocodile under the moonlight. It could be a god in the form of snakes, birds, monkeys, butterflies, etc. The gods appeared to appear and call the flock back in cherish, protection like the forest spreading its arms to embrace the life of many creatures.
