Photographer Wang Tianming: "A smile is priceless but costs nothing."

"A smile costs nothing" – Thien Minh's most expensive exhibition.

The exhibition brings together 80 portraits – more than 80 pieces of a simple yet timeless concept called happiness.Too Happy To TellThe film explores the enduring beauty of smiles – the purest expression of everyday happiness. From street vendors and knife sharpeners to fishermen and farmers, each character steps into the center of the frame, allowing the ordinary happiness of these humble yet extraordinary working people to shine through.

Through these original images, viewers are invited to contemplate existence and realize that happiness takes countless forms; sometimes, just a smile is enough to become an invisible bridge connecting people. Photographer Thien Minh has gathered these priceless smiles to portray a life in Vietnam rich in emotion, while quietly preserving a lasting and humane visual legacy.

The selected works are from over 180 completed photographs. The male photographer plans to continue capturing moments of thousands more smiles to one day compile them into a photo book. With a minimalist and contemporary spirit,Too Happy To TellIt brings viewers closer to the emotions, where positivity shines through ordinary yet extraordinary people.

For over a decade, Thien Minh has been involved in many roles: fashion photographer, creative director, and visual artist. Recently, he has gained wider public recognition for his participation in the "Brothers Overcoming Obstacles" program. Despite his success in various fields, photography remains his root. The camera is always his most enduring support, where he dedicates his heart and soul to capturing portraits imbued with both character and humanity.

Following the debut exhibition "Flower Eyes" (2023),Too Happy To TellThis continues to be a new milestone, affirming his belief: "When you are dedicated to your work and wholeheartedly embrace optimism, anyone can become their own hero."

More than just photography: An inner dialogue.

Too Happy To TellThis is not just a portrait exhibition, but also an introspective dialogue, where Thien Minh wants to emphasize that happiness doesn't come from extravagance but from simple, everyday moments. And the true meaning lies in each step taken, not in the destination.

Travellive had a short conversation with photographer Vuong Thien Minh:

PV: You enter the exhibition with a smile and end in the final room with the question: "If you are happy, smile." Why did you choose a smile as both the beginning and the end of the exhibition? What does a smile mean to you?

NAG Vuong Thien Minh:I think smiles are a catalyst, as well as a recurring theme that people can see from the beginning to the end of the exhibition. For me, happiness is priceless, even immeasurable. Everyone has their own concept of happiness, and everyone has something to share with those around them: friends, family, and life itself.

A smile is incredibly precious to me, yet it costs nothing. So why not smile first, make yourself happy, and then spread that happiness to those around you? That's the most positive thing we can give each day.

For many people, happiness is something simple, something that doesn't require many reasons or conditions. And everyone has a reason to be happy. If you're still searching for it, try visiting this exhibition and observing these very ordinary yet extraordinary moments.Too Happy To Tell...Who knows, you might see yourself in it.

PV: Many visitors shed tears while viewing the artworks. In your opinion, what aspects of the photographs touched their emotions?

NAG Vuong Thien Minh:There are everyday moments that we rush through. But when we slow down, we realize that within them lie connections, sparking empathy and inspiring us to share more. Each of us carries value in this life, whether for others or simply for ourselves. Every day we wake up is another opportunity to live, to choose how to live, and to find a reason to be happy.

I created this exhibition primarily for myself – the first audience member and the one who has been most inspired. I believe that within each person there is a "seed," and when nurtured with faith and love, it will blossom into something beautiful.

PV: During the project, were there any images or moments that stand out the most to you?

NAG Vuong Thien Minh:Honestly, behind every person and every photograph lies a very special story. So I won't choose which story is the best, because each one has left me with valuable lessons from the simplest things.

I want to thank everyone, even those without names, who were present at this exhibition. Just a smile from someone, a fleeting moment of happiness, is incredibly precious to me. Because your happiness cannot compare to mine. My smile is no more beautiful or less beautiful than anyone else's... When you are truly happy, only you yourself can fully appreciate it.

I'm fortunate to be an artist, a photographer, so I'm somewhat more sensitive to emotions. I just hope to gather the happiness of the people around me and create an exhibition from it. Somewhere in each photograph, I also see myself. Some people have looked at the photos and said they see their own journey of growing up and maturing. Beautiful memories are evoked, and that's what makes me feel like I'm doing the right thing.

PV: After pursuing this project for four years, what keeps you motivated?

NAG Vuong Thien Minh:I think the creator of this exhibition – myself – should also thank myself. Because the journey wasn't short, and it certainly wasn't easy. I'm grateful to myself for persevering to the end, for holding onto the belief that this project would spread something, not just to those who care about me and the exhibition…

To make others happy, you must first be happy yourself. I hope that everyone who comes to the exhibition, even if only for a moment, will take away a little joy, a little peace, and perhaps they will continue to spread that to those around them.

You have reached the end of the journey.

But in reality, no journey truly ends.

May some small joy find its way to you, as gently as it was once given...

Within the framework of the exhibitionToo Happy To TellThe Art Talk & Photo Tour sessions, led directly by photographer Thien Minh, have limited attendance. This is an opportunity to discover the story behind each photograph and the concept of simple happiness through a smile. All participation fees will be donated to the Vietnam Fatherland Front to support people affected by floods and storms.

Too Happy To TellThe exhibition by photographer Thien Minh will run until October 4, 2025 at City Exhibition Hall, 92 Le Thanh Ton Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

Phuong Thao is an editor at Travellive magazine. She is passionate about traveling and enjoys capturing moments with her camera in every place she visits. Travel, art, and lifestyle are Phuong Thao's favorite writing topics.

Text: Phuong Thao - Photos: Linh Huynh