Tran Minh Chau is a Vietnamese photographer partaking in the “Summer Residency” programme as one of the selected Southeast Asian artists who has received full residency waiver. Studio 88 was inspired by her work and chose Tran Minh Chau to grant her full funding to participate in the residency in Doi Saket.
Tran Minh Chau is currently based in Hanoi, Vietnam. Her practice focuses on reimagining what already exists – life, herself, and the relationship between the two. She utilizes photography as a method for self-reflection and observation, a method to ponder upon the fleeting moment of life. She describes this process as “surgery”: “where I cut open the outer layers of deceptions, preconceptions, misjudgements, to reveal the truth, then I reconstruct everything in a new form free from the limitations of the external world.” Her artistic practice is an endless cycle, where life happens revealing its beauty through changes.
Her works were featured in SOLA Journal, Khô Mực Studio (Issue 13), and Cháo Hành Zine (Issue 2).
Artist Statement
My practice focuses on reimagining what already exists – life, myself, and the relationship between them. I take snapshots of things around me as a method of journaling, then when I review them, I have the chance to reflect about that moment, about the “me” in that moment. The internal dialogues happen continuously as I process the photographs – which I often describe as a “surgery ”: where I cut open the outer layers of deceptions, preconceptions, misjudgements, to reveal the truth, then I reconstruct every thing in a new form free from the limitations of the external world. I view my practice as an ever changing and never ending process because I change and the life around me changes every day as well, willingly or unwillingly, but that’s the beauty of it.
“Construction of Nirvana”, in search of the essence of nirvana through photography
Tran Minh Chau uses her personal technique, Digital photography manipulation, as artistic methodology to create unique images out of snapshots. During her residency at Studio 88, Tran Minh Chau will continue experimenting with the series “Construction of Nirvana”. This series of photographic works draws upon Buddhism spiritual practices and particularly the concept of Nirvana/“Niết Bàn”. As the artist states, “These photographs serve as a materialization of the “present ”, capturing fleeting moments in time. The process of observing and then deconstructing these images becomes a form of meditation for me: it is an exercise in reflecting on the present, stripping away layers of preconceptions to reveal the raw nature of things – floating specks of pixels and dust.” Through this process and fragments gathering and the subsequent deconstruction Tran Minh Chau is searching for the essence of Nirvana. At Studio 88, she will conduct further research on the concepts of Nirvana to deepen the conceptual base of her work, as well as produce a new series of photos inspired by the research and the serene atmosphere of Doi Saket.
“Construction of Nirvana” – Day 110, 113
Medium: Digital Image / Digital Photography manipulation
Year: 2022 – present
“Construction of Nirvana” is a series of works I’ve been developing over the past three years, using the daily snapshots I’ve taken as the medium. These photographs serve as a materialization of the “present”, capturing fleeting moments in time. The process of deconstructing the images becomes a form of meditation: it is an exercise of reflection, stripping away layers of preconceptions to reveal the truth of all existences – floating specks of pixels and dust. From then, the mind gathers the fragments into a state of stillness, which, in my view, mirrors the essence of “nirvana”.
Untitled no.49
Medium: Digital Image / Digital Photography manipulation
Year: 2025
Beside the major series – “Construction of Nirvana”, I have a collection of experimental works exploring multiple approaches to digital photography manipulation. The goal is to walk the line between realism and surrealism, with mundane subjects like fishes, eggs, flowers, fruits. This image is one of my personal favorites because the fishes are exactly in the middle state of life and death, of hope and desperation, depending on how you perceive them.
Untitled no.55
Medium: Digital Image / Digital Photography manipulation
Year: 2025
This is also one of my personal favorites. I shot the flowers in the background of a plain blue sky. It was super sunny that day and I felt like I was in a hazy dream. The idea is to recreate that hazy, dreamy sensation.
More about Tran Minh Chau on her instagram.
At Studio 88 Artist Residency, we believe that art and creativity are powerful catalysts for building a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable creative ecosystem. By supporting talented artists from around the world, we invest in new ideas, cross-cultural exchange, and creative practices that inspire meaningful dialogue, strengthen communities, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Studio 88’s SUMMER Residency offer up to 3 fully funded residency places are available for Southeast Asian artists and partial funding for international artists.
Studio 88 accepts applications on an ongoing basis. Check out our residency program and apply now.
Studio 88 Artist Residency 