Photographer Tran Viet Van portrays the life of Vietnamese military commanders through his recently opened solo exhibition entitled “General in Peacetime.”

Through 65 colour and black-and-white photos captured at different times and places, the lives of top-ranking General Vo Nguyen Giap, lieutenant-generals Nguyen Duc Soat, Nguyen Van Tinh, Pham Xuan The, Nguyen An and major-general Nguyen Duc Huy are shown.

The idea of taking photos of the generals in the peacetime came to Van when he photographed General Giap in May to illustrate an article for Lao Dong (Labour) newspaper where Van works.

“The generals themselves live closely to their community,” he says, “I display their photos to respect their devotion and sacrifices.”

Van says he learned many moral lessons from the retired generals.

The commanders want a peaceful life. For them, moments with their families are the most precious thing. They are well aware, none better than them, of the price of peace.

Comradeship is a holy and noble sentiment. Van captured moving moments when the generals meet their old comrades.

The photo that brings Van most satisfaction is the moment after General Giap met his comrades. When the guests left, Giap looked thoughtful. The red glow of the setting sun created an emotional space. The general’s face, hands and position was almost Zen-like.

The exhibition is the first part of a project over many years of Van’s life. The second part will bring photos of generals from different parts of the armed forces in different regions of the country.

Beside photos, Van also displays stories and conversations with the commanders. The text and photos will be published when the project wraps up.

The exhibition will run until November 30 at Exhibition House in Hanoi./.