The front of the State Bank of Vietnam through Andy Soloman's lens. This work is part of the "Hanoi: Imprints of Time" exhibition, on display at the Metropole hotel from 9/10 to 9/12. The event features 16 photographs, documenting street scenes and daily life in the capital in 1992.

British photographer Andy Soloman offers a unique glimpse into Hanoi's daily life in the 1990s through his exhibition, "Hanoi: Imprints of Time". The collection, featuring 16 photographs, is currently on display at the Metropole hotel from 9/10 to 9/12. Soloman first arrived in Hanoi on 21/10/1992, captivated by the city's spirit and its people.

Soloman, 64, was a photographer, journalist, and music manager in London before his first visit to Vietnam. His early experiences in Hanoi left a lasting impression. "The people were poor but full of optimism. I admired the resilience and resourcefulness of those I met. Everywhere I went, I felt a warm welcome", he stated.

Dong Xuan Market 34 years ago. The photographer noted that the area around the market was always bustling, and friendly vendors welcomed him. At this time, bicycles were the primary mode of transport, and there were not many tourists.

His photographs from 1992 capture the city's vibrant atmosphere. One image depicts Dong Xuan Market, a place Soloman described as "always bustling" with "friendly vendors". During this period, bicycles were the main mode of transport, and Hanoi saw fewer tourists. Another photograph shows students from Nguyen Du Primary School gathered in the morning, illustrating a typical school day.

The photographer captured a man exercising in the morning at Lenin Park. Being there, he was struck by the lively atmosphere. According to him, everyone engaged in their own health-boosting activities, such as playing badminton or walking.

Soloman also documented recreational activities, such as a man exercising in Lenin Park. He found the park's atmosphere lively, with individuals engaging in various health-boosting activities like playing badminton or walking. His lens also captured female workers at Chien Thang Garment Factory, who, despite outdated equipment and low wages, maintained a cheerful environment.

Female workers at Chien Thang Garment Factory smiled for Andy Soloman's camera. The photographer noted that despite outdated equipment and low wages, the factory maintained a cheerful atmosphere.

A corner displaying Andy Soloman's photographs. In addition to the exhibition, he hosted a talk on the morning of 10/10, sharing stories from his trips to Vietnam during the 1992-1993 period.

The photographer captured a man delivering 'bia hoi' (draft beer) by cyclo on Tang Bat Ho street.

A distinctive cultural aspect Soloman observed was 'bia hoi'. According to him, glasses of beer could bring people together, fostering friendships and sharing stories in a cheerful setting. He also photographed an audience watching a circus performance on a Sunday morning at the Central Circus Theater, highlighting community entertainment.

An audience watched a circus performance on a Sunday morning at the Central Circus Theater.

"Vietnam has held a special place in my photographic journey for many years. The images in this collection stem from encounters and moments that have remained in my memory", Soloman remarked in his introduction to the exhibition.

Andy captured a group of men collectively repairing a vehicle.

Soloman expressed his honor that his works were displayed in a 125-year-old hotel. After more than three decades, he noted that Hanoi and Vietnam had undergone significant changes. Yet, one constant remained: the charm, sincerity, and warmth of its people.

The photographer at the event space.

Soloman lived in Hanoi for seven years (1992-1999), working for various newspapers, magazines, and news agencies, including Reuters. He married a Vietnamese woman and has two sons. Currently, he divides his work between the United Kingdom and Vietnam, focusing on travel and art photography.

In recent years, Andy Soloman has held numerous exhibitions featuring photographs of Vietnamese landscapes and portraits. These include: "Hanoi – A Time to Remember" (commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Capital's Liberation) and "Continuing: Vietnam" (reconnecting with subjects he photographed over 30 years ago).

Phuong Linh

Photos: Andy Soloman