The visual art exhibition "Tay Park - Ngan" showcases a decade of travel and artistic exploration in Vietnam’s Northwest region by photographer Nguyen Thanh Tuan. The exhibition features 100 portraits, primarily of women from six provinces in the Northwest, captured during his filmmaking and art production journeys.  

These women, often unsung heroes, include researchers preserving the region’s cultural treasures, writers compiling its rich heritage, and mothers overcoming disabilities to raise their children. The haunting beauty of their stories inspired Tuan to bring their lives to light. Each portrait is accompanied by captions written as short stories on do paper, a traditional Vietnamese medium.  

Nguyen Thanh Tuan’s close-up portraits focus on the essence of these women, offering viewers a deeper understanding of their unique narratives. The exhibition provides a multisensory experience by blending photography printed on do paper with artifacts and props representative of the Northwest.  

During his travels across the region, particularly along National Highway 6 to Dien Bien, Tuan explored various types of do paper crafted by local ethnic communities. The paper is traditionally made from the bark of trees such as duong and giang as well as straw and vines, materials that can only thrive in preserved primary forests. The manual production methods used by local artisans preserve this centuries-old tradition.  

When photographs are printed on do paper, the medium’s translucent and vintage qualities create a unique visual effect, enhancing the emotional impact of each work.  

The exhibition will be held at Area 75 Art & Auction in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, and opens at 5:30 PM on November 26.  

Below are some featured works: