KINGSTON, NY — Excelling in one field can often lead to high expectations in another, as seen with writer and poet Ocean Vuong. Known as “one of the defining voices of his generation,” Vuong recently unveiled his talent in photography with a solo exhibition at the Center for Photography at Woodstock. This venue, a significant name in the Hudson Valley art scene, now occupies a beautifully restored four-story factory. For many, Vuong’s photographic debut could be seen as benefiting from his literary fame. However, his photographic work stands on its own merit, offering a compelling exhibition.
Vuong’s interest in photography dates back to his teenage years, when he first picked up a Nikon camera to capture a basement punk show. Over time, his photographic endeavors have evolved alongside his writing. His inaugural exhibition, titled Sống — which translates to “to live” in Vietnamese — explores themes drawn from the New England immigrant experience and his personal journey, particularly his relationship with his brother, Nicky, following their mother’s passing in 2019. Accompanying the exhibition is a sold-out artist book, showcasing Vuong’s deep engagement with the history of photography, with references to figures like Nicéphore Niépce and Garry Winogrand.
Vuong’s photographs, especially those featuring his brother, Nicky, exhibit a striking beauty. However, some images, such as “Nicky after 12 hour shift” and “Nicky (slide),” can feel somewhat conventional, with compositions that may distance the viewer. Yet, Vuong excels in capturing everyday details that evoke profound emotions: a crumpled Dunkin’ Donuts bag in his mother’s salon, a hand on a doorway by a whiteboard with handwritten goals. These elements of real life and their subtle specificity resonate powerfully, particularly in his landscapes that reflect the rich, sometimes melancholic texture of New England.
While Vuong’s mother found his images sad, he perceives a deeper narrative within them. His artist book captures this sentiment by expressing, “I ask the ghosts to show us what to make of their lives.” Ocean Vuong’s exhibition, Sống, is on display at the Center for Photography at Woodstock (25 Dederick Street, Kingston, New York) until May 10. This exhibition was curated by the institution and showcases Vuong’s unique photographic voice.
