Khanh Ky is not only regarded as the pioneer of Vietnamese photography but also as a silent patriot who made significant contributions to the nation's liberation movement.

Pioneers of Vietnamese photography

Two prominent figures laid the foundation for Vietnamese photography: Dang Huy Tru (1825–1874) and Nguyen Dinh Khanh (1874–1946).

During a seminar titled "Nguyen Dinh Khanh - Life and Career," Tran Thi Thu Dong, Vice President of the Vietnam Union of Literature and Arts Associations and President of the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists, stated that photography was introduced to Vietnam in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when the country was still under colonial rule.

It was during this challenging period that Nguyen Dinh Khanh developed a passion for the newly introduced art form. With his talent, curiosity, and dedication to learning, he quickly mastered the craft and established the renowned Khanh Ky Photo Studio, laying the groundwork for the development of early Vietnamese photography.

The legacy of Lai Xa

Beyond building his personal career, Khanh Ky played a major role in promoting photography in his hometown of Lai Xa, creating opportunities for local people to improve their livelihoods.

Lai Xa has since become a famous photography village, not only recognized domestically but also internationally, affirming Vietnam's position on the global photography map.

"Lai Xa can be considered the 'photography capital' of Vietnam, and Khanh Ky rightfully deserves to be honored as the 'founding father' of the village and the pioneer who opened the path for professional photography in the country," affirmed photographer Thu Dong.

According to Dong, few people know that Khanh Ky was also a quiet patriot who made significant contributions to the national liberation movement.

A silent patriot

During his time in France, Khanh Ky actively participated in patriotic activities within the Vietnamese community.

He became a key member of the "Council of Friendly Compatriots" founded by Phan Chau Trinh and lawyer Phan Van Truong, an organization that united patriotic Vietnamese living in France, focusing on the homeland's future.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Huy added that Khanh Ky was a loyal and trusted friend of Phan Chau Trinh for over a decade in France and during the last two years of Trinh’s life in Saigon.

When Phan Chau Trinh passed away, despite being a prominent business owner, Khanh Ky personally photographed the entire funeral and compiled the images into a special memorial album.

According to Dr. Huy, one remaining copy of this album is currently preserved by Hoang Minh in Ho Chi Minh City, serving as invaluable evidence of both Khanh Ky's photographic talent and his patriotic spirit.

Dr. Huy emphasized that Khanh Ky's contributions to both Vietnamese photography and the revolutionary cause are immense and deserving of recognition, including naming a street after him in Hanoi.

Tinh Le