Exhibition “Right here, Right now”: Stories about the changing nature in Hanoi
Born and raised in Hanoi, the author of the exhibition “Right here, Right now” carries with him deep memories of a Hanoi full of green trees, fresh air and harmony with nature. During the years 1995-2002, when the author lived in Giang Vo apartment complex, his childhood memories were surrounded by blue sky, clear yellow sunlight, cool monsoon winds, the chirping of insects and the cool scent of nature.
By the 2010s, with the rapid development of the city, the appearance of Hanoi had changed. Houses were built close together, rows of ancient trees gradually disappeared, air pollution, noise and fine dust were increasingly evident – that “Beautiful Land” now only exists in memory, where those who have experienced it still remember and regret.
It was the urge from that memory that led the author to find other stories – from parents, siblings, friends to the younger generation – to record the feelings of many people about the nature of Hanoi past and present. From 10 interviews with people born and raised in Hanoi, belonging to the 6x, 8x and 9x generations, “Here, Now” recreates the green memories, at the same time opening up a perspective for us to contemplate the relationship between modern urban areas and nature.
The exhibition introduces simple, familiar materials to tell stories of memories such as: Hand-embroidered photos (made by U Oa), photos printed on leaves using sunlight, without chemical treatment, terrarium models simulating the smell of summer rain in the city or “Silent Box” recording the void of urban noise.
Through many senses, viewers will experience, recall and connect with a once green and fresh Hanoi, and from there, together think of ways to make urban nature more connected and intimate in the present.
Exhibition information:
Location: Blue Bird Nest – No. 13, Lane 27A Dang Dung, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
Time: August 16 – 23, 2025, from 8:00 – 22:00
Open to the public