Dzung Yoko: Holding a camera, traveling 11 provinces and cities for 4 years to “heal”

Recently, creative director Dzung Yoko received attention from the audience when launching a photo book Spring, summer, autumn, winter. This is the 6th art photo book in his creative career.

Chat with reporters Dan TriDzung Yoko shares the process of holding a camera and wandering for 4 years, traveling throughout 11 provinces and cities in Vietnam to create a collection of nature photos combined with fashion with many unique aesthetic marks.

Hello Dzung Yoko! Why did you move from “creative director” to photography?

– I like taking photos, like being creative with my own perspective and language.

What was the inspiration for Dzung Yoko to create “Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter”?

– Perhaps I, like many people, after the Covid-19 pandemic, feel cramped and suffocated. I want to step outside and seek out natural scenery to relieve psychological stress.

How did that journey happen?

– I went and stopped in 11 provinces and cities. Previously, because I was busy making a living, because I was caught up in the whirlwind of food and money, I didn’t have time to travel here or there to explore domestic tourism. But when I put everything aside to visit many regions in Vietnam, I was surprised to see how beautiful our country’s nature is.

Not only external beauty, but also the beauty of the intersection of cultures, the beauty of time and the ups and downs of society and history. All create vividness in scenery, architecture, spirit and human emotions.

Is that also how you borrow nature to “heal”?

– Actually, that concept is used so much these days that I don’t really like it. But when I held a camera and roamed many regions to create art, I really felt my injuries were greatly alleviated.

How is the idea of ​​”four seasons” expressed by Dzung Yoko in the work?

– Vietnam is a rare country with 4 seasons, with 4 different types of weather. I want to combine the diverse beauty of styles: Spring, summer, autumn, winter. Each land has its own interesting, colorful and unique qualities.

For example, I went to Hue to take a winter photo shoot. I like the cold weather, the sky covered with thin mist or light drizzle, everything creates a unique beauty in Hue.

I chose Hanoi as the location to exploit the beauty of autumn, where models wore outfits reminiscent of the 90s. Western regions like Sa Dec and Tra Vinh also show off a wonderful spring atmosphere.

Ho Chi Minh City is summer, a land from all over the world. In it, there is a photo of Miss Tieu Vy and actress Lam Thanh Nha that I really like. The photo was taken at sunset, showing the free and liberal beauty of Ho Chi Minh City.

How do you know that a photo was taken at the right time?

– The weather changes constantly, you need to be patient to choose the right atmosphere you want to put into your work. But when I made this photo book, God loved me very much. Everything always happens at the right time and just right.

For example, I arrived in Hue on a hot day, up to 30 degrees. But on the day of the photo shoot, the weather was cold and there was a little rain, making the photo more soulful and the colors also very unique.

How does “Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter” represent your artistic statement?

– Creativity must be based on cultural roots and cannot be divorced from cultural values. Besides, I also want to remind young people to go out and explore the country and people of Vietnam, and pay more attention to domestic tourism.

After 4 years of making this photo book, how has your personality changed?

– I feel more peaceful and calm. Photography is a job that helps me improve myself. Nature and culture help me better understand the flow of all things. I let my creativity lead me where I have to go.

After more than 20 years working in the creative field, how does Dzung Yoko see herself changing?

– A happier person. In the past, I only knew how to bury myself in a brightly lit studio, only focusing on the standards I set. I realized that making art should not create limits, should not refuse things that happen to you. Now, I relax, free my thoughts, and don’t feel constrained.

I think everyone will have problems they cannot solve. So just… follow nature and destiny.

How long did it take you to realize this?

– Quite a long time. Art does not force me to live what is right or good, but helps me live with what I believe and on the right path I want to go, away from negative things.

Actually, I think that moderate levels of stress and fatigue will help people. Sometimes trying to be too optimistic and positive is not good. Life must have times of ups and times of bottom for emotions to be complete.

You have many friends in the artist world, why didn’t you invite them to participate in this photo book?

– I choose a model that matches the theme of the photo shoot and the natural scenery of the shoot. In addition, I also do not want to invite famous stars to participate because I need to minimize production costs.

When I launched the book, Tang Thanh Ha, Toc Tien, Hoang Touliver, Luong Thuy Linh… all gave enthusiastic support. Previously, Tang Thanh Ha had repeatedly advised me to seek out nature to balance stress and turmoil.

This set of photos also helps artists understand me better and look at me differently. Before, people only came into contact with me through work. This time, I think the works through my perspective help artists and friends connect with me more.

Thank you for sharing!