Visiting the hill tribes and regions along the rivers of Viet Nam awakened memories of grainy war images shown nightly on American news. I never understood this war, and undertand it less now.
40 years ago North Vietnamese soldiers marked the end of the war, celebrating in the streets of Hanoi which was about to become the capital of a unified Vietnam. Now celebrated as Reunification Day, those who were there say the happy moment was indescribable.
The US however, portrayed it as the fall of Saigon featuring panicked Vietnamese crowding into choppers to be evacuated. Despite the devastation and casualties one Veteran told me “Talking about war is to talk about loss and painful memories.” We don't have much, but we have we are grateful for.
They are now one of the fastest growing economies in East Asia.
Whether in busy Hanoi or the peaceful countryside -the tradition of “family” working together at skills passed down for generations continue to survive with pride and grace.
Originally posted at https://www.socialdocumentary.net/exhibit/ellen_denuto/4232
This class is a continuation of the extremely well regarded Teen Photo Workshop offered at 70 South Print & Gallery with photographer and educator Ellen Denuto. No need to have attended previous workshops. Open to ages 12-16. Limited to 12 students per workshop
Ellen will present 4 Individual workshop sessions. $100 per session Sign up for all and save $50!
To learn more and register visit 70southgallery.com/photoU
Workshop Schedule
Workshops held at 70 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960 | 973.539.2112
The website cityfood.com originally displayed this photograph as an illustration for an article about shopping cart technology, but readers informed them that upon viewing it, they had experienced an almost emotional reaction to it. Obviously the image was conveying some of the feelings of the photographer and readers wanted to know the story. CityFood contacted Ellen Denuto, who confirmed that the photo had been taken during a particularly poignant moment after the funeral of a friend, and Ellen provided this caption for their post
She was always different - apart from the crowd.
Artistically gifted and tortured, she entertained us not only with her creativity but with stories of the humor found in the isolation, sadness and madness that usually accompany that gift.
When one too many escapades flirting with the beyond to ease her pain accidentally ended her life - we weren’t surprised, simply saddened by our loss.
As I drove home the night of her memorial service, the roads were dangerously foggy and slick. Rounding the last corner to enter my street - I noticed a group of shopping carts that had become loose in the storm.
One stood alone away from the rest - illuminated in the white ghostly light … it was Jesse ... as always, ahead of and apart from the crowd.
This photograph has become sort of a signature piece for me, mostly because of people’s reaction to it, not knowing it’s story. It reinforces a personal truth about the power of photographs shot from the heart - and keeps me believing and shooting.