In a recent discussion, it was pointed out to me that the people represented in this series of portraits, as most people from third world countries, are living "lives" rather than "lifestyles." They lack the capital and therefore do not have the luxury of choosing lifestyles. Their lack of exposure also prevents them from many wants, and keeps them contented with their lives.
Yet, in the same conversation it was noted that their simple and modest lives do not appear to be as bad as most Westerners would perceive.
The Vietnamese people do lead somewhat carefree lives, and are able to have basic necessities in their agrarian society. They work as necessary to keep food on the table and roof over head, but do not have the hectic, complex and traumatic lives that many Westerners lead. They are able to take siestas if they choose to, and regardless of what government is in power, there is little significant impact on their daily lives.
I had wanted to capture the candid Vietnamese people that had not been polluted by Western influence, thus, most of these portraits were taken in rural Vietnam, away from the urban areas. However, I noticed very few differences in the manners or dress between those living in the cities and those away from them.
I chose to portray the poor but unworried lives of my people in the fashion of the earliest family portraits, Daguerreotypes. The appearance of antiquity alludes to Vietnam's long history as a nation. These images are laser prints on a Lokta Ivory Pinto paper from Nepal.
I have made three trips to Vietnam, in Summer 1995, Spring 1997, and Summer 1999. I am happy when back among my people and hope someday to be able to live with them again. Although, I do realize that unlike them, for me it would be a lifestyle.
