Two decades after she first visited the country, Isabelle Aragon has not had her fill of Vietnam. She has traveled the length and breadth of the country since her maiden visit in 1989, and closing the way, recorded striking images of its landscape and its people.
A collection of black and white as well as colour photographs by the French herbalist and photographer showcases what it is about the country that captures her imagination. The Vietnam-Travelling Diary exhibition features well-known landscapes as well as remote areas of the northwestern province of Lao Cai and portraits of local people. The 42 photographs were chosen from several thousands that she has taken over the last 20 years.
“I want to introduce Vietnam – a beautiful and peaceful country – its people, culture and lifestyle to the world through my photographs,†Isabelle said. “I love capturing elderly people and children who live in remote areas. Through their faces and smiles, you can see a peaceful life.â€
Isabelle, who began dabbling in photography when was just 12 years old, insists she is an amateur. But she has modern techniques and computers to store her photographic images.
She had organised three well received exhibitions featuring Vietnam and its people in Paris. Isabelle first visited Vietnam in 1989 and though one day she would live here. She made that move 17 years later, settling down in HCMC and working for the Institute de Development Vietnam Pacifique as a herbalist.
Last year, her first photo exhibition at the IDECAF (The Institute of Cultural Exchange with France) featuring 45 colour photographs made a good impression on both Vietnamese and foreign viewers. Some described her work as a documentary on Vietnamese people living in different regions of the country. Vietnam-Travelling Diary will remain open at the Lotus Gallery, 67 Pasteur Street , District 1 until February 5.