The Joy and Challenges of Publishing Photobooks in Vietnam

In this talk, Matca's co-founder and editor Linh Pham and Ha Dao will share the joy and challenges of publishing photobooks in Vietnam through their experience of conceptualising and producing experimental, open-ended publications under the imprint Makét, the Vietnamese pronunciation of ‘maquette’, a rough draft or preliminary model. Its first edition titled A Vietnamese Photography Village (2019) traces the emergence of studio photography from the small village of Lai Xa on the outskirts of Hanoi, and the second From Here On Out (2022) is a collection of four bodies of work that ranges from animal-infused liquor jars to small-town life, and deserted landscapes to Vietnamese experiences in Switzerland. While each project is different, they are all made possible by fostering collaborations with local partners and navigating various constraints, be it logistics, finances, or censorship.

This event will also be available on Zoom. The Zoom link will be sent to you after your Eventbrite ticket registration.

Speaker bio

Ha DAO grew up on the outskirts of Hanoi. Inspired by strange incidents that occur in everyday life, her photographic works take an imaginative approach to documentaries and are built upon close observations mixed with loose associations. Her works have been featured and exhibited in Photoworks, Trans Asia Photography Asia, Manzi Art Space, Xie Zilong Museum, Objectifs Centre of Photography & Film, among others. In 2022, she received the Higashikawa Award in the Overseas Photographer category. Since 2017, Ha has been serving as the managing editor and programme coordinator at Matca.

Linh PHAM is a photographer based in Hanoi. In his practice, he explores the human condition in the Lower Mekong, a region affected by social transformation, rapid economic growth, and domestic conflicts — all with a contemporary touch that reflects his studies in art and design. Although working internationally, Linh in his personal works often returns to present day issues linked to Vietnam’s past. He is a frequent contributor to Getty Images, The New York Times, and National Geographic, amongst others. In 2016, Linh co-founded Matca. He was named as one of the talents from Southeast Asia and Oceania by World Press Photo in 2019 and joined the 2022 World Press Photo Contest as a juror.

Language

English

Admission

Deposit: HKD 50

*Refundable only upon attendance. The admin fee charged by Eventbrite shall be borne by participants. Absentees are not allowed for any refunds. Tickets are non-transferable.

Pandemic measures

1. Mandatory temperature check upon entry — participants with temperatures higher than 37.5°C will be denied admission.

2. All participants must wear a face mask at all times.

3. Maintain social distancing and avoid gatherings of more than four persons.

4. No eating or drinking inside the venue.

*This event is one of the Weekend Market public programmes.

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