Chiron Duong is a talented Vietnamese photographer born in 1996, who has gained international recognition for ethereal, dreamlike fashion-inspired photography. His career as a photographer is marked by his interest in capturing the precious and ephemeral moments of everyday life such as gestures, expressions or situations that reveal the personality and beauty of his subjects.

From a young age, Chiron Duong has been passionate about photography and began to explore different techniques and styles to express his art. He studied photography and architecture in Hanoi and was quickly noticed for his exceptional creative talent.

Chiron Duong's inspiration comes from his own life and cultural environment. His photographs are often influenced by the urban landscapes of his home city Hanoi, Vietnam. His images are marked by great sensitivity and attention to detail. He is particularly interested in how people interact with each other and their environment. His work is often considered sensitive, conveying a range of complex feelings.

Among the most emblematic photographs of Chiron Duong is "KOIBITO YO-DARLING II", taken in 2020. This image is inspired by chrysanthemums. It represents the waiting for a loved one in the illusion of the subconscious, day after day, in an endless cycle of time. The scene is lit by a soft light that creates an atmosphere of calm and serenity. The photograph captures an intimate and universal emotion of expectation and love, with a distinct Asian visual aesthetic.

Chiron Duong's style is often associated with a mixture of minimalism and romanticism. His photographs are very colorful, with a thoughtful use of light to create an intimate and emotional atmosphere. He is also known for his blurred and simple yet evocative compositions, often using natural elements such as water and plants to add a poetic dimension to his photographs.

The photograph “Identification I”. This image explores the facades of contemporary society and the quest for individual identity. This photograph was taken in 2020, reflecting the particularly difficult and uncertain times of the pandemic.

The title of the photograph, "IDENTIFICATION I", relates to the artist's reflection on the psychological transformation of people and its impact on their behavior and style. Chiron Duong questions whether we should shed the false faces or masks we wear in society in our quest to find an authentic identity. He also evokes the feeling of cyclical repetition of events and the utopian search for our identity.

In sum, "IDENTIFICATION I" is a photograph that highlights the complexity of identity and the challenges we face in finding our place in contemporary society. With this image, Chiron Duong invites us to question the nature of human identity and how it is influenced by the social norms and constraints of modern life.

Vietnamese photographer Chiron Duong's 2019 photograph "NOONDAY" depicts a moment of peaceful sleep. The image shows a sleeping woman in a relaxed pose, with her face turned toward the sky. Natural light streaming in through the window illuminates her face. The photograph captures a calm and serene atmosphere, conveying the idea that sleep time is precious and contains intangible values for Asian culture. According to this perspective, sleeping well brings peace and prosperity. The composition of the photograph is simple, with a plain background. The woman seems isolated from any context, highlighting the importance of sleep for mental and physical balance. "NOONDAY" thus reflects Chiron Duong's personal vision of the importance of taking care of oneself and nature to find inner peace.

For his outstanding work, Chiron Duong has received many prestigious awards, including the Picto Award for Fashion Photography in 2020 and 2021, and the American Vintage Photography Prize at the International Festival of Fashion in Hyères in 2022. His photographs have also been shown in international exhibitions in New York, Paris, Tokyo, London, Sydney, Milan as well as throughout Vietnam, notably in Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City. Indeed, the Midnight In The Mangroves Exhibition based in Ho Chi Minh, presents Chiron Duong’s imagination of the unique spiritual world, based on indigenous stories. Chiron Duong also participated in the "DU" Exhibition in Ho Chi Minh City in 2022.

rom part VI of the series ‘365 Days with AO DAI’
from the Midnight In The Mangroves Exhibition based in Ho Chi Minh

Furthermore, his work has been exhibited in international art galleries, photography festivals and in particular graphic design showcases as “Xon Xao” In Saigon in 2021 and “Soi Mac Soi Manh” in 2020 in Ho Chi Minh City. In 2021, he exhibited a series of photographs entitled "The Colors of Life" at the Kafnu Art Gallery in Hanoi. This series presented color photographs taken in different areas of Hanoi.

Chiron Duong's fame is constantly growing, and he is recognized as one of the most talented young photographers of his generation. In addition to his personal projects, he also works as a freelance photographer for various publications and international brands. His work is marked by a unique sensibility and an original artistic approach.

In sum, Chiron Duong is a talented and prolific Vietnamese photographer whose work has been widely recognized for its originality and quality. His unique artistic vision has allowed his photographs to capture the essence of life and present it in a new and fascinating light.

By Thea Lauret

CAPTURING VIETNAM'S SOUL: THE INSPIRATIONAL JOURNEY OF PHOTOGRAPHER CHIRON DUONG