HÀ NỘI — The achievements of photographers from the past two years are on display at an exhibition in downtown Hà Nội.

Titled 'Việt Nam Art Photo Exhibition', the biennial event features 250 works by 187 photographers. Over three months, the National Art Photography Contest 2022 gathered over 16,300 entries by more than 1,500 photographers. The entries have been divided into Realistic Photo and Conceptual Photo categories.

Culture Deputy Minister Tạ Quang Đông (second from right) and delegates at the exhibition. VNA/VNS Photo Hoàng Hiếu

The best 29 works have been awarded, including one gold medal, four silver, eight bronze and 16 encouragement prizes.

In the Realistic Photo Category, a group photo titled 'Thủ Thiêm Bridge 1- A New Highlight' by Lê Quang Thiện from Đà Nẵng won the gold medal. Four silver medals went to Gold Goal by Đinh Trọng Hải (Hà Nội); Under Wings by Nguyễn Thu Hồng (Hà Nội); Female Warrior Takes a Nap after a Working Shift by Trương Huỳnh Sơn (Đà Nẵng) and Journey of Côn Đảo Turles by Nguyễn Ngọc Thiện (HCM City).

Addressing the awards ceremony on Thursday, Culture Deputy Minister Tạ Quang Đông, head of the contest's directing board, noted that the Việt Nam Art Photo Contest and Exhibition is a meeting point for the best photographers in the country.

However, the number of entries has shown photographers' growth and capability to inspire the whole society through art. In addition, the event has also expressed their enthusiasm and contributions to society's spiritual life.

Deputy Minister Đông said the shortlisted entries displayed here had been carefully selected by an art jury comprising prestigious professional photographers.

Female Warrior Takes a Nap after a Working Shift by Trương Huỳnh Sơn (Đà Nẵng).

"Works displayed here will bring the public a visual party, from realistic, beautiful and vivid images of Vietnamese people, culture, and landscapes to concepts and thinking of artists on issues of contemporary life," he said.

The exhibition will run at the Việt Nam Culture & Art Exhibition, No 2 Hoa Lư Street, till October 16 before being moved to HCM City Fine Arts Museum, 97A Phó Đức Chính Street, from November 4 to 13. VNS