The Unofficial Archive by MATCA

Entitled The Unofficial Archive, this project presents a selection from the collection, divided into Books and Ephemera. Included are materials spanning photojournalism, fine art, and commercial photography, printed within and outside the country, including places like Hong Kong, Japan, and the Soviet Union. With dates of publication ranging from the 1950s to the present day, the selection encompasses a variety of issues and visual tropes through a pivotal moment in Vietnam’s national and photographic history as the country emerged from the aftermath of colonialism followed by the Vietnam War, known domestically as the Resistance War against America. Works and practices from this period continue to inspire explorations in recently published titles. Taken together, they demonstrate the varied roles that photography has played in Vietnam, from a nation-building device to a tool for self-expression.

About MATCA

Matca is an independent initiative dedicated to opening conversations around photography in Vietnam. Founded and run by photographers since 2016, Matca has evolved across platforms, including but not limited to an online journal, a physical space, and an imprint. While keeping an open organizational structure, our priority remains to critically engage with the medium and nurture local talents.