unofficial blog for course ART090

Lehigh University
Art Architecture and Design
113 Research Drive
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Bethlehem, PA 18015

Konstantinos

Voyiazis – Documentary Photos

This photo was taken by Robert Capa in Indochina, 1954. What makes this photo dynamic are the objects pictured. In the foreground we see a person working the flooded field with an ox and plow. This was probably a common sight in Vietnam, but what look out of place are the American military vehicles in the background. As part of the Indochina wars, U.S. troops and supplies were shipped to locations such as Vietnam and were suddenly introduced into the daily life of citizens. What makes the photo interesting is the fact that the worker doesn’t seem to acknowledge the military convoy and is just carrying on his routinely work. This photo is significant to documentary photography because it shows the effects of military forces in everyday rural life, aside from the more documented military forces in large city areas.

Capa, Robert. INDOCHINA. 1954. On the road from Namdinh to Thaibinh. 1954. Pro Magnum Photos. https://pro.magnumphotos.com/C.aspx?VP3=CMS3&VF=MAGO31_10_VForm&ERID=24KL535353

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