More than 30 pagodas across the nation are featured in a photo book “Viet Nam Pagodas” by French photographer and reporter Nicolas Cornet, which was launched in Ho Chi Minh City on June 1.
A photo on the book capturing the Thien Mu pagoda in Hue
(Source: “Viet Nam Pagodas” by Nicolas Cornet)
Architecture of Vietnamese pagodas in the northern, central and southern regions, which is not popular among Vietnamese and foreign friends, is nudged closer to readers through the 250-page book, which is both in English and French.
Across five chapters, the author offers a broad and varied vision of traditional pagoda architecture. He also captured daily life in the sacred places to complete the photographic narration and demonstrate his attachment to the people and culture of Viet Nam.
Cornet worked for newspapers and magazines such as L’esporesso, Mare, Le Monde, D-La Repubblica, and Siette Leguas.
He has travelled to Viet Nam over the past 30 years and been interested in Viet Nam’s culture, history and architecture.
Regarding his upcoming projects, he said that he wants to discover Vietnamese cuisine and hopes to complete a photo book introducing Vietnamese typical dishes.
On the occasion, he organised a photo exhibition “Viet Nam Pagodas - Legacy of Faith” at the Fine Arts Museum of Ho Chi Minh City. Visitors to the event have chance to enjoy 50 photos of Vietnamese pagodas.
The exhibition runs until June 10.