Drawing from extensive research and intimate engagement with the shifting landscapes of Vietnam, this project delves into the country’s profound transformation since the 1986 economic reforms, known as Đổi Mới, which introduced a “socialist-oriented market economy.” The series offers a compelling visual narrative of how rapid capitalist growth reshaped both the physical environment and cultural identity of Vietnam, blending elements of tradition with the forces of globalisation.

The images in Đổi Mới depict not only the architectural and economic metamorphosis but also the subtle yet significant influence of tourism and Western ideologies on the Vietnamese youth. The aesthetic choices within the series juxtapose Vietnam’s socialist past with its current march towards a market-driven future, asking viewers to consider the lasting effects of this historical shift on local communities.

By capturing these juxtapositions, Đổi Mới: Communism +Plus transcends the notion of mere reportage, becoming a layered reflection on the complex relationship between tradition and modernity, identity and economic progress. This body of work is intended not only as a document but as an open-ended conversation, challenging the viewer to reflect on the delicate balance between cultural preservation and the encroaching tides of development.