Map Postcard Hanoi
by photographer Quang Lam
Theses postcards written in early 20th century are unique archive sent from Ha Noi to different capitals of the world (Paris, Beijing, New York, Bruxelles, Hong Khong) give an historical value to the artworks
These conceptual maps are related to the colonialism epoch of Viet Nam in the early 20th century.
Hanoi is drawn in transparency over the foreign city meaning the lost of sovereignty of Hanoi at the expense of the external powers.
In the same time Hanoi is connected to them, seen the airmail used to send the postcard. This describes the beginning of modernity in the Vietnamese society
The two cities can be also compared just like portraits as the maps are on the same scale. As a character, Hà Noi is holding yet another identity.