French photographer Rehahn’s second pictorial book “Vietnam, Mosaic of Contrasts Volume II” will be exhibited in major cities in the country, including Hanoi, HCMC, Nha Trang, Hue and Hoi An. 

Rehahn poses for photos with his 91-year-old neighbor in Hoi An, one of his favorite models.

Regarded as one of the top ten portrait photographers in the world, Rehahn has a collection of a staggering 60,000 pictures about Vietnam. He now lives in the ancient town of Hoi An in the central coast province of Quang Nam.

Two years ago, the first volume of the book marked the beginning of his photographic journey of a true Vietnam to document the allure of its iconic scenery, diverse inhabitants and hidden, far-flung corners. 

The book has earned international praise for the photos that vividly capture Vietnam’s spirit, unique everyday interactions and intricate tribal culture.

In the second volume, Rehahn takes audiences across the country, especially to remote villages and secluded mountains, on a year-long journey documenting Vietnam’s vanishing cultures, ancient traditions and the everyday lifestyles that endure despite the onset of a more contemporary way of life.

Rehahn told the Daily that it had taken him two years to prepare photos for this second volume. Right after the first volume was launched in January 2014, Rehahn started working on the second. “I’d like to say that photos in the first book I captured as a tourist. But in the new work, I think I capture Vietnam via the eyes of a local person as I can communicate with more people in more remote areas by my humble Vietnamese speaking ability,” he said.

Viewers might be enigmatically drawn to the characterful faces of both the young and the old, the beauty that surrounds them and their everyday lives via his photos.

People will also have a chance to know some striking stories behind the photographs and the sustained engagement between the photographer and the subject that leads to portraits loaded with character, honesty and conviction.

Rehahn’s exhibition tour will kick off on December 10 at La Residence Hue Hotel & Spa - MGallery Collection in Hue City with 10 photos of 60cm x 90cm to be displayed.

The exhibition is open for ten days before heading for the next destination, the InterContinental Nha Trang Hotel, for two months during Tet holiday, starting from January 2016.

Dates for exhibitions in Hanoi and HCMC have not been confirmed while his photos are permanently displayed at the Sunrise Hoi An Resort & Spa.

The 148-page “Vietnam, Mosaic of Contrasts Volume II” features 150 color photographs and costs US$55. For further information, visit www.rehahnphotographer.com.