Photographic artist Nguyen Thai Phien has won 46 prizes in Vietnam and abroad and his work has been selected for exhibition in more than 60 countries around the world. He talks to Bich Ngoc about the challenges of devoting himself to a form of photography which is often misunderstood in his native land
Are people more open to nude photography in this day and age? In Vietnam the attitude to nude pictures is not open enough. Even cultural authorities are unclear when offering their opinion on nude photos, which means they are neither for or against. This helps no one. Photographers are embarrassed and nervous while people who do not understand much about photography are confused. If the public had easier access to this display of natural beauty, the public would understand what is art and what is not without anyone having to list guidelines. But currently in Vietnam, nude photography is like a malnourished child.
When did you start photographing nudes? Since I took up photography in 1992 I was especially interested in this kind of work. For me [as a photographer] compared to other subjects I find that nudes are one of the greatest challenges. But nude photography [as an artform] also challenges the public, society, the photographer, the photographer’s and art. And I love challenges. These photographs praise and honour the pure and holy form that God has granted women.
When did you take your first nude photo and how did you feel? The first time was a failure and the second time too! But after a long time I was reasonably satisfied with picture named Lines. The picture was chosen for an exhibition in Ho Chi Minh City in 1993. Sadly now I cannot find it.
What do you look for when you’re choosing a model? There are two types of women: Beautiful women and very beautiful women. There is no such thing as an ugly woman, only some of them do not know how to express their beauty. Each woman has her own beauty and I think that the artist must know how to explore and exploit such beauty, such as a pregnant woman who has a special beauty having realised such a natural vocation. What is important is the angle of the camera. The aesthetic opinions [of models] change though the ages. For example a more portly model was in vogue during the Renaissance, whereas now a more slim-looking model is preferred. When I started taking photographs I thought that the beauty of the model was the be all and end all but that is not the case. A successful photo might use such natural beauty but it is also judged on the idea’s creativeness, layout, light and angle. I am not a fussy in choosing models but I use the model’s form and character to develop my ideas.
What are the vital ingredients for a picture? Everything is important, like each organ in the human body. Photography is an art drawn with light – so [lighting] is a top priority as well as the model’s performance but also luck, which is needed to capture the moment.
I find your picture Heavenly Messenger to be truly beautiful – how did the photo come about? Thanks for your interest in Heavenly Messenger. However I seldom talk about stories behind pictures. Like me most of the models featured in my work prefer to stand behind the picture and listen to the public’s opinion. It’s better to let the audience explore the work with their natural impressions and not be influenced by the artist’s words. You’ve produced an impressive body of work over the years, but do you have any particular favourites? In the past 15 years, I have taken nude photos of about 70 models with thousands of film rolls. But my “property” is about 120 successful pictures. It is very difficult to say which one I like the most. Each picture reveals its own memory and impressions.
What pictures have you imagine but yet to take? Once I went diving in Hon Mun by Nha Trang. The light on the ocean floor was sparkling and dreamlike and I thought of taking nude pictures underwater! I know it would be difficult but I still think about it and one day, who knows… all photographers must keep looking for a new environment to take photos, which must be very exclusive and unique.
So what else lies in store for you? Recently I have been focusing on the preparation for my next exhibition and a book on nude art. The book will be named Xuan Thi (Spring Time) and include 70 images, half of which will never have been seen in public before. If approved by the relevant bodies the book would be the first ever book on nude photos [in Vietnam]. It will be a complicated procedure but I will try soon nevertheless.
