KVT – Intimate French Views

KVT investigates glossy corners at L’Espace

There’s a nice photography exhibition at L’Espace by young photographer Le Nguyen Duy Phuong, with a predominance of still lifes.

Phuong’s images emanate a quirky stillness and play with composition and light. Some have a nice Vermeer feel to them….though the overall sensation is sophisticatedly French. You feel that many would have a huge impact if displayed in larger format or in back lit installation but the small format with enough space between the pieces seems to engender an intimacy between image and viewer.

All the photographs were shot in France and if one reads the title of the exhibition, probably in one particular area (or does the title suggest that Phuong’s French photos have brought France to a little corner of Hanoi? Or even that each shot is its own particular French corner? Intriguing!). French expats may experience pangs of homesickness.

It’s of particular interest to amateur photographers who want a lesson in balance, composition and the play of light and reflection……..mind you, don’t take my photographs of the photographs as a reflection of the work on show. Rather, go and enjoy them yourself. You’ll probably find yourself interacting with a few and definitely see yourself at home in a few more.

It could prove to be a popular show with the general viewing public.

Phuong studied photography in France and the images on show have previously been exhibited there.