Revisiting Saigon memories through photography in the exhibition "The Eyes of Time".

Within the space of the Contemporary Art Exhibition House located at 158 ​​Dong Khoi Street, "The Eyes of Time" opens a dialogue between history and the present, between memory and perception, where viewers step into a visual flow. The exhibition's title evokes a highly symbolic image, where time is no longer an abstract concept but becomes a visible, tangible, and interactive entity.

The layers of memory are arranged like a visual labyrinth.

From the ground floor, visitors enter a space designed as an open structure with stacked and suspended cubes. This organization creates the feeling of navigating a labyrinth of memories. Each corner is a slice of Saigon from 1945 to 2005. The documentary photographs not only capture the urban landscape but also reflect the lives of people through each period.

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There are images of sparsely populated streets, old markets, and residential areas bearing the imprint of colonial architecture. Each frame is visual evidence of the city's constant transformation. Viewers can witness the changing landscape of Saigon with just a few steps. This creates a continuous experience, where time is not divided but flows seamlessly through each perspective.

The exhibition space doesn't impose a fixed path. Viewers are free to choose their own direction. Each person will have their own way of connecting with the images before them. Some may linger in front of a photograph of an old neighborhood because it evokes family memories. Others may be drawn to urban scenes that have completely disappeared in the present.

Alongside the archival photographs, several display cases are arranged throughout the space, offering a different approach to the history of photography. Here, viewers can observe the types of cameras used by artists throughout various periods, from bulky mechanical devices to later, more popular models. Accompanying these are photographic products such as albums, magazines, and old photo books—publications that once served as repositories of visual memory before digital technology became widespread.

The presence of these artifacts makes the experience more concrete, as time is not only seen through images but also exists within the very tools that created them.

When photography becomes a bridge between art and technology

Moving up to the mezzanine level, the space transforms from historical documentation to contemporary art. Here, the photographic works of young artists offer a different perspective on time. If the ground floor is the past recorded directly, this level is an interpretation. Time is no longer something to be recorded but becomes the material for creation.

The photographs here are highly experimental. Some works use light and shadow to depict the flow of memory. Others combine multiple layers of imagery to create a sense of overlapping time periods. Viewers are no longer simply looking but must contemplate to understand the message behind each work.

The collection of cameras ranges from classic to modern, featuring heavy, metal-bodied film cameras alongside compact digital devices. This contrast not only showcases technological advancements but also raises questions about how humans record the world. From film that required developing to photographs that could be captured and viewed instantly, the journey of photography is also a journey of change in how humans approach time.

A notable highlight in this space is the bust of journalist and photographer Lam Tan Tai, prominently displayed as a tribute to those who have contributed to preserving urban memory through their lenses. His image with a camera in hand is not only commemorative but also serves as a reminder of the role of photojournalists in capturing historical moments. Surrounding it, display cases showcasing cameras and photographic publications create a seamless backdrop, helping viewers better understand the journey of photography from tool to documentation.

An immersive experience and new perspectives on time.

Descending to the basement, the exhibition space opens up to a completely different dimension. This is where technology is used to recreate history in a more vivid way. The virtual reality area allows viewers to step into recreated scenes.

A scene from Saigon's old town unfolds with sounds and movement. Viewers can turn their heads to observe their surroundings, feeling the hustle and bustle of people and the rhythm of life from a bygone era. This experience creates a sense of intimacy that static photographs can hardly provide, bridging the gap between the present and the past.

One of the most noteworthy installations is "The Heritage Tree." The work is created from old technological devices such as CRT monitors, radios, and electronic components. These once familiar items are restructured into a geometric form, evoking the life cycle of technology and how humans continuously create and replace their tools.

In a city as constantly moving as Saigon, pausing to reflect on the past is not easy. This exhibition creates a much-needed moment of stillness, reminding the city's inhabitants that every present moment will eventually become a memory, and how we perceive those memories will shape how we understand ourselves.

The exhibition “Eyes of Time” is currently taking place at the Contemporary Art Gallery, 158 Dong Khoi Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. The space is open Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM and from 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM. Admission is free and the exhibition is for a limited time; the official closing date has not yet been announced, so visitors should plan to visit early to fully experience it.

Text: Quynh Mai - Photos: Nguyen Tran Hieu