To honor unique cultures of Vietnam’s ethnic minority groups, a photo exhibition is opening at Lam Son Park in District 1 until November 20.My Culture-Conversations in Open Spaces showcases around 150 photographs reflecting cultural practices, livelihoods, beliefs, spirituality and recent changes in daily life. The photos were chosen from more than 70,000 shots taken by 64 people from different ethnic origins like the H’mong, Dao, Muong, Thai, Pa Co, Van Kieu and Khmer.These photographers took part in photo-voice, a program organized by the Institute for Studies of Society, Economy and Environment (iSEE), which aims to have the photos involved speak the language of insiders, which professional photographers cannot possess.Visitors to this exhibition, it is hoped, will acknowledge that people of ethnic minorities are actively exploring their own cultures, working on their expressions and are the ones who have the right to decide how their traditions should be preserved and developed.
“When I see photos I realize many interesting things in Khmer culture which I have ignored and I want to say that Khmer people’s festivals and traditional customs should be preserved,” said Ly Hong Kieu, a Khmer visitor to the show.The event was held in Hanoi at Ly Thai To Park, near Hoan Kiem Lake, attracting many spectators, including foreigners, with the outstanding photographs displayed. (thesaigontimes.vn Nov 13).
