PHOTO HANOI ‘25
From November 3-19, 2025, Photo Hanoi ’25 took place at COMPLEX 01 with a diverse series of photography activities – from in-depth roundtables and exhibitions to documentary screenings, gathering photographers, curators, educators, researchers, and gallery representatives from Vietnam and internationally.
Exhibition “to see or to be seen” – Birgit Kleber
The exhibition opening on the afternoon of November 5 became a special highlight in the series of activities commemorating 50 years of diplomatic relations between Germany and Vietnam. The event welcomed Ambassador Helga Margarete Barth, Mr. Franck Bolgiani, artist Birgit Kleber, and four subjects portrayed in the exhibition: Ngo Ngoc Duc, Nguyen Hong Anh, Khuong Dat Vuong, and Uyen Ninh. The special afternoon featured a lively conversation with Uyen Ninh – the laughter, curiosity, and energy of the audience created a truly warm atmosphere.
The exhibition introduced two series by German photographer Birgit Kleber. The “Photographers” series captured over 100 portraits of colleagues since the early 1990s, creating a vivid visual chronicle. Kleber composed the layout to direct attention to the subjects’ eyes – where gazes reveal fleeting expressions, capturing moments that seem to exist only in the blink of an eye. The “Vietnam-Germany: 20 Faces, 20 Stories” series captured portraits of 20 outstanding individuals of Vietnamese origin in Germany, drawing attention to a topic somewhat underrepresented in community awareness.
Placed side by side, “Photographers” seemingly represents the observer and “20 Faces” the observed. However, when photographed, all simultaneously see and are seen. The exhibition poses the question: What does it mean to see and be seen? And how to ensure more diverse voices continue to be seen, heard, and valued?
Roundtable “Mapping out a photography career in the international context”
On the afternoon of November 3, the first roundtable attracted 15 special guests to discuss the profession and photography career. Four discussion sessions delved into essential topics: how to make a living from photography, photography education with choices and orientations, current situation and prospects of the curatorial profession, and the current situation and future of buying and collecting art photography. This was an opportunity for those starting their photography journey to meet and listen to practical experiences from insiders.
Roundtable “Redefining the meanings of photography in the age of A.I”
On November 4, a big question was posed: Where is photography in the age of exploding AI? Photographers, curators, and researchers from Vietnam and internationally discussed the role of photography in the technology era through three thematic sessions, opening new perspectives on the intersection between traditional art and modern technology.
Roundtable “Digital or analog? What is trending out there?”
On November 7, the roundtable combined with workshop and mini exhibition provided an overview of photography history – from ancient analog techniques to today’s “super-technology” assisted practice. Artists working with darkroom techniques, large format, and wet plate presented on the trend of returning to the “old days.” Participants had the opportunity to directly familiarize themselves with analog camera equipment and learn about printing standards meeting museum collection standards.
Film screening “Marc Riboud: Capturing the 20th Century”
Two screenings on November 15 & 16 took viewers to explore the extraordinary legacy of Marc Riboud – one of the most influential visual storytelling masters. The documentary introduced an iconic photography archive that helped shape how we understand the 20th century.See more at: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FX43mndzG/
Photo Hanoi ’25 at COMPLEX 01 created a multidimensional exchange space for the photography community – from dialogues about career futures and photography’s role in the technology age, to looking back at history and legacy through exhibitions and documentaries.
