”Hanoi Promenade” – Photo Show and Book Launch by Martin Rama
Book launch: Thu 20 Mar 2014, 6.30 pm
Photo showcase: 18 – 23 Mar 2014
Manzi Art Space
From Manzi:
What makes a city livable? At a time of rapid urbanization, experts struggle to find the magic formula; with limited success, judging on the results. But while many big cities in East Asia are becoming terribly ugly or terminally boring (sometimes both), Hanoi remains more than just livable: it is truly lovable.
The secret to this success may be more cooking recipe than scientific blueprint. As could be expected in a country with a great cuisine, Hanoi combines the right ingredients in ideal doses. Buildings in the most diverse architectural styles stand harmoniously next to each other. Quiet prayer and buzzing trade intermingle in surprising ways. Life unfolds on sidewalks during the day and passion blossoms on motorbikes at night. Leafy avenues inspired by the Enlightenment alternate with narrow alleys of unmistakable Asian flavor. Even the undeniable chaos is misleading, as it protects a delicate balance between transformation and preservation, allowing the social fabric to adapt rather than disappear.
This book is an attempt to understand the formula that makes Hanoi exceptional. It conveys images and thoughts from endlessly wandering across her, listening to her, admiring her, from all possible angles. Through readings and food, from work and poetry, in friendship and celebration… Organized as a cooking guide in the spirit of a phở recipe, the book contains two dozen short chapters focusing on one ingredient each, trying to uncover its subtle contribution to the charm and character of Hanoi.
A visual “promenade” for the book will be held at Manzi for a week, with copies available for sale in both English and in Vietnamese. On Thursday, March 20, at 6:00 PM, there will be short readings by the author and the translator, followed by an informal conversation with the audience and book signing.
Free entry
For the March 20 event, please register at [email protected]
COMMUNICATIONS PARTNER: HANOI GRAPEVINE
| Manzi Art Space 14 Phan Huy Ich, Hanoi |
