Chapter 2: Hope
(365 Days With Project “Portraits Of Áo Dài- Hope For Peace And Love”)
Hope is the first word in my mind when I think of Áo Dài. At the same time, Hope speaks to me intimately: It is a deep and neutral sense, oscillating between invisible cognitive frontiers. Envisioning Hope, I start with black stripes mixed with gray streaks. They give the impression of withering, yet the scene slowly brightens, flaming quietly until rays of sunlight make their way to say hello. Hope is a driving force for life. I feel like I am attracted to the stillness accompanied by vibrant thoughts in my soul when it comes to Hope.
 |
 |
Let us head back to the paramount inspiration for this chapter – Indochine art of the 20th century. Within the context of the encounter of Eastern and Western art in the heart of the Indochina countries, the period was significant for Vietnamese art. I was impressed by the feeling of elegance, sophistication, and romance, and the subtle, poetic melancholy that touches my heart, reminding me of Hope.
With such a deep appreciation, I integrate the colors of this artistic period into the spiritual light of Hope in the portraits of Áo Dài.
 |
 |
 |
 |
About: 365 Days with project “Portraits Of Áo Dài- Hope For Peace And Love”
One day I was asked by many foreign friends about Áo Dài, but unfortunately, I haven’t taken many pictures of Áo Dài. Áo Dài is a special traditional dress of my country- Viet Nam
For me, Áo Dài is both an adjective and a noun. Áo Dài just evokes rustic, simple, seductive Vietnamese women and contains many memories.
Vietnamese Áo Dài is not only a kind of national dress but also contains a rich history, cultural traditions, aesthetic conceptions, national consciousness, and spirit of the Vietnamese people.
Through many changes in society and times, Áo Dài has always been a beautiful symbol of the national culture, and the pride of Vietnamese people.
The models in this photo series are mostly my friends in many different fields, they are not professional models and do not have the usual beauty of Asian models, there are people who are for the first time standing in front of the camera lens.
Thanks for watching!
