On the afternoon of October 15, the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists opened a photojournalism and art exhibition titled “The Homeland - 80 Autumns of Independence” at the Temple of Literature in Hanoi.

The exhibition showcases the finest works selected from a remarkable 5,032 submissions received from across the country, including 568 photo series and 4,464 single images.

From this rich collection, the organizers curated 200 standout pieces representing three significant chapters in the nation’s history: Unforgettable years of struggle, A land united in joy, and Integration and development.

Each section of the exhibition serves as a visual slice of Vietnam’s historical journey - from the difficult wartime years, to the triumphant reunification of the country, and finally to the dynamic era of renewal and global integration.

Through the lenses of multiple generations of photographers, the Vietnamese people appear both humble and proud - serving as both witnesses and storytellers in the epic saga of the homeland’s 80 autumns of independence.

According to photographer Tran Thi Thu Dong, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists, the exhibition is more than an art space. It is a moving journey through national memory, reminding today’s generations of the irreplaceable values of peace, independence, and freedom.

“Each photograph is a visual anthem that honors the patriotism, aspirations, and enduring vitality of the Vietnamese people through the ages,” emphasized Dong.

One particularly poignant piece is Mass rally celebrating the complete liberation of the South at August Revolution Square, May 1, 1975 by photographer Nguyen Huu Nen (Hanoi), which documents a historic moment of nationwide unity.

Another standout is The Reunification Train - Bridging the North and South by Tran Uong Son (Hanoi), a vivid symbol of the nation becoming whole on its day of celebration.

While the exhibition revisits the past, it also presents a portrait of a modern, creative, and forward-looking Vietnam - from flourishing urban centers and revitalized rural landscapes to the richness of cultural life.

Every image tells a story about today’s Vietnamese people: confident, resilient, and engaged with the world.

A selection of works from the exhibition: