VietNamNet Bridge – An exhibition of images by Canadian photographer Greg Girard opened yesterday, Nov 1, to coincide with the publication of his new book entitled Ha Noi Calling: One Thousand Years Now.

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The book – proceeds from the sale of which will be donated to flood victims in the central region – captures the spirit of daily life and the architectural heritage of the capital city. Through his photos, Girard takes readers through the city's streets and alleys, onto its rooftops and balconies, and into the shops and homes of its residents. Eschewing the better-known landmarks, Girard instead explores the often overlooked features that define daily life for residents, producing a private and intimate version of the everyday.

"My predecessor, Ambassador Deanna Horton, acted as a catalyst for this project, bringing Girard and his partners in this adventure together," said newly appointed Canadian Ambassador to Viet Nam Deborah Chatsis.

Girard has published two previous books, Phantom Shanghai and City of Darkness: Life in Kowloon Walled City, combining an anthropological approach with a lyrical realism. His works are also in the permanent collections of the Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography, the Art Gallery of Ontario and other public and private collections worldwide.

River span: Long Bien Bridge at Night.
"Ha Noi is a very unusual city in this part of the world because it didn't go through the same evolution at the same time that many other cities did," said Girard.

The book grew out of four trips to Ha Noi. It took much time and effort to become acquainted with the people, talk to them and understand them, Girard said.

"The city has a lot of buildings from the 20th century that were built to be used one way and now are used another way," he said. "I'm not the kind of photographer who just photographs buildings because they are old. I'm interested in the way the people use the space."

The exhibition will run until November 10 at Ha Noi Studio, 13 Trang Tien Street.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News