In Hoi An, every traditional house seems to conceal a secret. Pushing open this patinated wooden door, you enter a dark corridor with carved walls, a real passage through time. Shadows reign, and the chiselled details of the architecture appear slowly as the eye adjusts. Then, at the far end, there is an opening onto a courtyard bathed in light, where a clump of green plants shines like an unexpected oasis.
This subtle interplay between darkness and light, between a protected interior and an open exterior, is what makes Vietnamese ancestral houses so rich. The depth of field accentuates the perspective, gently drawing the eye towards the vegetation, a symbol of life and serenity. The richly decorated frames are a reminder of the Chinese influence in local architecture.
This photo captures the delicate balance between protection and openness, privacy and breathing space, art and nature. It evokes the discreet charm and sophistication of the old buildings of Hoi An, where every detail is designed to create a dialogue between light and shade, wood and foliage, silence and contemplation.
Passionate about photography, I travel the world in search of the most beautiful shots.
Currently in Thailand..
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