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Without chasing perfect frames or elaborate techniques, the "absent-minded" project by a group of FPT University Hanoi students opens up a rare moment of tranquility amidst the hurried pace of urban life. Through the lens of street photography, the project awakens the need for observation and contemplation, opening a way for young people to reconnect with reality and recognize the resonance in everyday scenes of city life.
Through experiential activities, each individual can learn to "live" more fully and deeply, instead of just being immersed in the virtual world or the hectic pace of real life. Ms. Luu Thi Tuyet Nhung, the project representative, shared: “The name 'Ngẩn' (meaning 'dazed' or 'absent-minded') was chosen because it evokes the feeling of looking at a street photo: you pause for a moment, feeling a little 'dazed' to look more closely. The name is also simple, easy to remember, and relatable, just like how we approach everything around us.”
The "absent-minded" project is supported by Travellive Media Group as the official Media Sponsor, contributing to spreading cultural values, photography, and everyday emotions to the community.
The appeal of interactive art spaces and open fairs.
Held at Complex 01 in Dong Da District, Hanoi, the project's art fair recently achieved impressive numbers. Over the two days, the event attracted nearly 2,000 participants. The art fair was organized in an open-space format, showcasing creative products related to street photography.
The art fair space attracted a large number of young people to visit and experience it during the two days of the event.
The booths showcased various forms of expression, including prints, zines, handcrafted publications, and personal products. Instead of traditional displays, many works were designed to be connected to daily life, making them more accessible to viewers. Attendees could learn about the creative process and the stories behind each photograph. This model helps bridge the gap between artists and the public, while also creating opportunities for independent creative projects to reach a wider audience.
The zines and hand-printed photographs – the "brainchildren" of the FPT University student group – are displayed in a way that is accessible to the public.
Attendees will learn firsthand about the creative process and the everyday stories behind each frame.
A dialogue about psychology through the lens of the streets.
The highlight of the series of activities is an in-depth dialogue program on the journey of connecting psychologically through the lens on March 22nd. The event will feature influential guests including photographer Nguyen Van Hai and psychologist Dr. Nguyen Ba Dat. Here, the speakers will share their perspectives on using a camera as a way to experience the depth of life and relieve mental stress, rather than just a purely technical skill.
The talk show attracted a large number of young people interested in photography.
Psychologist Dr. Nguyen Ba Dat and photographer Nguyen Van Hai have offered a multifaceted perspective on the connection between the soul and the lens of street life.
“The most challenging thing is getting young people to slow down in a city that's already so fast-paced. But we're proud to have created a space where people can truly stop to think, share, and reflect on the world around them,” Tuyet Nhung said. The enthusiastic reception from the public, from professional photographers to young people experiencing film photography for the first time, is proof of the project's widespread impact.
The success of the recent series of experiential activities serves as a stepping stone for the "Ngẩn" project to move towards a larger-scale official exhibition in the near future.
The success of the recent events in Dong Da district is considered an important stepping stone for the project's next phase. The FPT University student group revealed that they are focusing on preparing for the official exhibition, scheduled to take place in April.
This promises to be a larger-scale "stopover," where everyday moments in Hanoi are elevated within a well-structured artistic space. Through this, the project once again affirms the creative capacity of students in creating valuable spiritual experiences, making people feel more connected to the city and those around them.
