peace-piece.com photo project : Vietnam today - how photographs capture peace

On 30 April the Vietnam War ended 34 years ago. To commemorate this important date, Tom Abraham, a repeatedly awarded photographer, provides a unique insight of the present social life in this highly devastated country. On the anniversary day, a complete Vietnam portfolio was launched at www.peace-piece.com by the artist, who currently lives in Frankfurt/Main. The photographs were realized on a trip to Vietnam in 2007.

The project and its 300 images mirror moments of the present life in Vietnam, and document the influences of the peace process development, as well as the cultural changes in this Asian country.

The photos can be categorized into four topics: souls, culture, nature and outtakes. “The pictures offer a wide-ranging, yet also subtle insight into the country and its customs. Vietnam has been mourning the death of more than three million people – the second largest number of casualties since 1945,” the photographer explained.

With the launch of his website, the artist wants to make a stand for peace. The website’s design is mainly based on purist elements. What is even more extraordinary is the presentation of his photos in two languages: English and Vietnamese. “I deliberately wanted to avoid language options in order to make a contribution towards an international dialogue,” said Tom Abraham.

Born in 1981, the artist started his work as a photographer auto-didactically. He is familiar with Asian culture due to several journeys to Bali and adjoining regions during his studies. He has already been distinguished with the American Design Award and the Dope Award.