Photobook design workshop with Ann Griffin took place from March 7-10, 2024 organized by Matca and supported by the Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia. During the intensive 4-day course, participants went through the process of making a photobook, from brainstorming concepts, photo editing, and designing the layout, to considering physical attributes of the publication like materials and printing techniques. They also discussed at length issues in producing and distributing photobooks in the context of Switzerland and Vietnam.
Despite the time limitation, instructor Ann Griffin and 9 participants including photographers and graphic designers have created a friendly and constructive learning space. Let’s take a look at some excerpts from their final works.
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Xanh Loanh Quanh (Green All Around) – Phan Hồng Khang
Daily items of various shades of green/blue appear in familiar and unexpected spots in Saigon.
Size: 22×30 cm; number of pages: 50
Dinner for Ten – Linh DN
Observations in the kitchen – a gathering space of a big family including three cats and one dog.
Size: 9,8×14,5 cm; number of pages: 68
Nội – Tùng Xuân Lâm
An exploration of shifting colors, lines and shapes on the street of Hanoi.
Size: 16 x 23,5 cm; number of pages: 40
Mưa (When It Rains) – Nguyễn Ngọc Hải
Tragicomic moments when stuck in traffic in the heavy rain made lively with a direct flash.
Size: 22×29,5 cm; number of pages: 84
First Look – Hùng Ngọ
The familiar and funny on the street of Hanoi as captured by a young photographer.
Size: 14,5×21 cm; number of pages: 44
Crimson Heart – Hoàng Nguyễn
Combining self-portraits and still life, the photographer tells the ups and downs of a relationship with a red chrysanthemum.
Size: 14,5×19,5 cm; number of pages: 60
The Quick Brown Fox Jumps Over The Lazy Dog – Ngô Lan Phương
Inspired by literacy books for children, the alphabet is retold through abstract and mundane objects.
Size: 14,5×21 cm; number of pages: 72
Untitled – Charlie Moore
Quiet moments captured by a British photographer during five years living in Vietnam.
Size: 14,5 x 21 cm; number of pages: 60
31 – Phương Hoàng
Struck by the death of 39 Vietnamese nationals in a container, Phuong Hoang visits and documents a village in Nghe An where unfortunate victims came from.
Size: 10,5×29,5 cm; number of pages: 44
