Exhibition introduction
Photographer Quang Bach Nguyen is set to present his debut solo exhibition titled ‘After 11 Summers’ running from June 7 to June 27, 2024, at Vin Gallery, located at 35/8 Nguyen Van Dau Street, Binh Thanh District The exhibition features a collection of works that unfold like a film reel, portraying intimate stories of family, separation, and the lingering emotions of those left behind.
‘After 11 Summers’ revolves around the memories of Bach’s grandmother, a central figure throughout his childhood, and the period following her passing. Through his vivid and bright photography, Bach transforms a seemingly somber theme into a tender and reflective narrative. In addition to new works, Bách has incorporated photographs taken by his grandfather of his grandmother from the family album, highlighting the enduring love of those who remain for those who have passed, creating a seamless connection between the past and the present. Prior to this exhibition, Bách published a photo book titled “One Summer with a Late Farewell,” which was well-received by the photography community and showcased at the ‘Imaging Rhizome’ exhibitions in both Vietnam and Japan.
In creating the works for ‘After 11 Summers,’ Bách experimented with various photographic techniques to express his creative vision. Beyond traditional printing, he incorporated additional processes such as cutting, embroidery, and burning to add layers of texture and depth, vividly conveying his thoughts and emotions.
After earning his degree in Photography & Video from the School of Visual Arts in New York, Bach Nguyen returned to Vietnam in 2019. His work draws inspiration from his homeland and heritage, often exploring themes of time, spirituality, and cultural practices.. “Rituals, the afterlife, and grief are recurring themes in my work. However, I aim to look at these subjects with a sense of clarity and hope, rather than through an eerie and gloomy lens.”
The ‘After 11 Summers’ exhibition will span three weeks in June, featuring both the displayed works and artist talk sessions, offering deeper insights into photography as an art form and Bach’s creative process. The event is co-organized by Hoa Ta Gallery and Vin Gallery. Hoa Ta Gallery is known for representing contemporary photo artists.
Some of exhibited works
About photographer Nguyễn Quang Bách
Bach Quang Nguyen was born in Hanoi.
After receiving the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography and Video from the School of Visual Arts in New York in 2018,
he returned to Vietnam to pursue a professional career. He uses photography as a tool to search for a thorough understanding of the Vietnamese’s identity and culture. Since coming back, he has lived in various cities in order to study the way people live and build communities in all three parts of Vietnam.
Recently, he pays attention to spiritual traditions, religious practices, and people’s unconscious attitudes towards these matters.
