Le Minh Yen

If you have ever been impressed by a photo taken in Vietnam, the camera that captured that enlightening or touching moment is probably displayed in the Photographic Memories Gallery of photographer and journalist Pham Cong Thang.

A camera owned by journalist Ngo Minh Dao

Mr. Thang had always dreamed of creating a personal space where, over tea or wine, he could discuss photography with close friends. This relaxing space would exhibit photographic mementos that sustained his spirit and witnessed the ups and downs of his life and profession. He shared this idea on social media when Hanoi was in lockdown during the pandemic and received the unexpected and enthusiastic support of colleagues, friends, and even strangers. The Photographic Memories Gallery has now become a community project, preserving over 1,000 artifacts from more than 300 journalists and photographers, both domestic and international. Mementos of those who chronicled Vietnam’s history through photos are being systematically collected, thanks to the dedication and generosity of those who appreciate photography.

Items in the Photographic Memories Gallery transport visitors back to moments they may have missed. From the perspective of simple cameras, and through the form and function of exhibited artifacts, including their shapes, patterns, materials, and technological advancements, we can understand the aspirations, desires, aesthetic preferences, and business philosophies of people in the past. In the Photographic Memories Gallery, one can find rare and valuable artifacts, both literally and metaphorically. A prime example is a camera developed and crafted by To Vien Ky. He was the first person in Vietnam to successfully make a camera, significantly contributing to the popularization of photography. This particular camera originally belonged to a high-ranking official, the chief of Don Tong (now Son Tay).

The artifacts in the Photographic Memory space are displayed respectfully

When the French were defeated at Dien Bien Phu, this official fled the country. After changing hands several times, the camera was eventually donated to the Photographic Memories Gallery by the photographer Dang Ngoc Thai. Although produced in limited quantities, this line of cameras played a crucial role in disseminating images of Vietnam to the world, alerting politicians and investors to the realities of French colonial exploitation in Vietnam. To Vien Ky’s cameras also helped to spread accurate and timely news about the war in Vietnam at that time.

The Photographic Memories Gallery gathers many photographic artifacts from the wartime period – a phase of immense development in Vietnamese photography. The tools of over 20 battlefield photographers are on display, including familiar names like Chu Chi Thanh (who photographed the 1973 prisoner exchange in Quang Tri and other famous war photographs, and received the Ho Chi Minh Prize for Literature and Art); Trieu Dai (a late photographer who took the picture “Flag Raising on De Castries Bunker” during the victory at Dien Bien Phu); Nick Ut (who took the world-famous “Napalm Girl” photo); Tran Mai Huong (who captured the iconic “Tank 846 advancing into Independence Palace on April 30, 1975”); and others.

The Photographic Memories Gallery displays various artifacts from photographers who have made significant contributions to photography in Vietnam, as well as those less well known to the public. All are respectfully presented without distinction, since photography-enthusiasts are like drops in the ocean, all converging to develop this art form. Without this ecosystem, we might not have experienced such a golden age of photography and the accomplishments we have today.

This Zeiss Iko Contaflex was the first camera owned by journalist Gian Thanh Son

For photographers, a camera is a mirror to reflect their inner world onto the outer world. For this reason, many felt a deep sense of regret – a term used by Meritorious Artist, photographer, and cinematographer Pham Thanh Ha – when donating their cameras to the Photographic Memories Gallery.

“It’s a family treasure,” said journalist and photographer Tran Hong, describing his Pentax Z-1p camera, which captured the day-to-day moments of General Vo Nguyen Giap from 1979 to 1994.

“I cherish it, as it holds my sky of memories,” said journalist Doan Tu Dien, a former reporter with GP10 of the Liberation News Agency and former Editor-in-Chief of the News Agency Publishing House, referring to his Pentax camera.

“It’s an invaluable keepsake,” shared journalist Gian Thanh Son, speaking about his Zeiss Iko Contaflex camera.

Nonetheless, these photographers decided to donate these precious artifacts to the Photographic Memories Gallery.

 “It’s a meaningful project,” explained journalist Gian Thanh Son.

“If I keep it, only I will know the stories behind the camera,” shared journalist and photographer Hoang Nhu Thinh.

 “My camera is no longer with me, but I know there are people who still cherish it,” said journalist Doan Tu Dien.

There are many ways to preserve one’s legacy. The photographer and journalist Pham Cong Thang has chosen to serve as a guardian, preserving the memories of those who devoted their lives and passion to photography.