French photographer’s lens feature resilient Vietnamese people in history

In recent days, the photography exhibition by Marc Riboud, entitled “Vietnam 1966-1976” , at the Guimet Museum in Paris, France, has been drawing significant attention from photography enthusiasts and those interested in Vietnamese history.

The exhibition offers a profound perspective on Vietnam’s turbulent resistance against the US through the lens of the talented photographer Marc Riboud.

The valuable works of French photographer and journalist Marc Riboud capture authentic and deeply emotional moments of Vietnamese people’s lives during the tumultuous period of the war against the US.

Born in 1923 and passing away in 2016, Marc Riboud was one of the most renowned photographers of the 20th century, known for his profoundly humanistic and highly symbolic images.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, the Guimet Museum is hosting the photography exhibition “Vietnam 1966-1976” by Marc Riboud, reviving unforgettable memories.

Between 1966 and 1976, the French journalist visited Vietnam multiple times, capturing images of the brutal war while also portraying the resilience of everyday life that continued under relentless bombing.

He documented various historical phases of the Vietnamese people’s resistance against American imperialism: from the escalation of war and the deepening the US military intervention to the fierce resistance, unwavering courage, and indomitable will of the Vietnamese people in defending their homeland.

His photographs also vividly depict the immense losses that remained ever-present in daily life, including families seeking shelter in bunkers, as well as the hardships and the overwhelming challenges Vietnam faced as it emerged from the war in a state of devastation and separation.

A photo captures the daily life of Hanoi’s residents amidst the relentless bombings.

The photo titled “A Girl with a Flower” has become a symbol of the anti-war spirit, illustrating the stark contrast between beauty and brutality, life and death, peace and war.

More notably, the war waged by the US military in Vietnam deeply divided American society and sparked a powerful anti-war movement, especially among the youth.

The famous photo “Girl with a Flower”, taken by Marc Riboud in October 1967 in Washington, became an enduring symbol of peace. President Ho Chi Minh was also aware of this iconic picture, and this connection played a part in facilitating the meeting between President Ho Chi Minh and the French journalist in 1968.

Authentic images of Vietnamese life during the war from 1966 to 1976.

The photography exhibition “Vietnam 1966-1976” showcases around 100 black-and-white and colour photographs, carefully selected from thousands of images captured by Marc Riboud over a decade in Vietnam.

Marc Riboud’s photo reports previously made a big splash in the photography and journalism communities. Notably, his photobook ‘Face of North Vietnam’, published in 1970, provided the American public with an unprecedented view of the resilience and bravery of the Vietnamese people.

Visitors to the exhibition have the opportunity to explore the daily lives of people in Hanoi, Saigon, Hue, rural villages, roads, farms, and factories in Vietnam. The collection also features powerful images of soldiers, women, and children who endured the devastating consequences of the unjust war.

Marc Riboud has been known for his deeply humanistic and highly symbolic images.

The exhibition is part of activities to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and the Reunification of Vietnam. It runs from March 5 to May 12.

NDO