Vietnamese photographer Thai Phien has announced that after several years of careful preparation and several regulatory hindrances, he will finally unveil his nude photo collection in a public exhibition.

The exhibition, themed “Mien co tich” (Fairyland) and which shares the name of Phien’s recently released nude photo book, will take place from June 16 to 20 at the Ho Chi Minh City Photography Association in District 1.

Twenty-six photos, all of which are featured in his book, will be showcased at the event, representing the artist’s 26 years as a photographer.

Thai Phien, well-known throughout Vietnam, is a member of International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP) and listed on the "Who's Who?" of the Photographic Society of America (PSA).

He has received 52 prizes over the course of his career, both local and international, and about 300 of his works has been selected for exhibitions in more than 60 countries around the world.

However, this event will be his first-ever nude photo exhibition in Vietnam.

‘I previously made several attempts to get permission to exhibit my photos, but all fell short,” Thai Phien said.

Now, as Vietnamese regulators bend towards openness, highlighted by Vietnam’s first-ever all-nude photo exhibition by photographer Hao Nhien in September 2017, Thai Phien’s “Mien co tich” was finally awarded a license.

The Fine Arts, Photography and Exhibition Department of Vietnam also plans to hold a nude photo exhibition next month.

Hao Nhien’s and Thai Phien’s successful efforts are a positive signal from administrators that more art exhibitions featuring nude subjects might be on the horizon.

Asked why he chose to hold the event during the 2018 World Cup tournament, Phien said he expected to raise interest in the audience.

“Both [my exhibition and the World Cup] promise to bring unique feelings and sublimation to the viewers,” the artist said.

Below are some of Thai Phien’s photos:

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