Review / Bachelorclass Nhat-Vu Dang & Dang-Vu Dang

During his dentistry studies, Dang-Vu interned with several fashion photographers. As a self-taught photographer he set up a small business with his brother. Together they developed several branding campaigns and organized photo shoots for various clients. The brothers gave their workshop at St Lucas Antwerp over the course of two weeks. The bachelor students in jewellery design had four days in which to explore their artistic identity.

On Wednesday 27 January Nhat-Vu and Dang-Vu plunged the students into a pool of examples, possibilities and information. They surveyed the basic techniques of photography, image creation, DIY techniques, post-production and branding. To get to know the group, they asked the students to draw and describe their ideal client, using a name, profession, hobby, clothes and life story. Each student gave a short presentation on his/her work, with which they could set to work during the rest of the workshop. Students were then invited to brainstorm around the material of an existing jewel. Using a storyboard, the students translated their design and choices in words and associations. This mind-map helped them collect pictures and clearly visualize their concept.

On day two of the workshop, the group watched the collected images and audio fragments. The screening took place anonymously. The students tried to determine what piece went with what imagery. As a result, they could test their own associations against the perception of an audience. Nhat-Vu and Dang-Vu then introduced the assignment for the next two days. The focus here lay on the difference between the description of the essence of a story and of a product. They broadened the students’ horizon by showing them how you can even make a (promotional) video for a non-existent product. The students were then given a few tips on how to make and edit photos and videos at home – keeping the following assignment in mind, for which they had to make a video about their own work, without actually showing the work. The students had a week for the assignment and each started out from their own storyboard.

The group reconvened on the first Wednesday of February. Students had already sent ideas and sketches for their video to Nhat-Vu and Dang-Vu. This meant they could get to work at once. The selected pieces were photographed. In preparation of the definitive video, the twins asked the students to make a series of three photos: an objective picture of the work against a white or black background; a shot of the piece against a background in which the concept of the design is visible; lastly a picture that renders the concept legible without showing the work. Once the pictures had been made, the students gave Nhat-Vu and Dang-Vu guidelines on how to edit and post-produce their pictures. The next day, pictures were evaluated and students explained whether they were happy with the result or not. Nhat-Vu and Dang-Vu asked them whether they would give other guidelines if they could do it over again.

On the last day the students presented their videos. To bring these videos to a successful conclusion, the students had to put into practice all the information and tips from the previous assignments. During the screening, Nhat-Vu and Dang-Vu provided feedback on the evolution of the past week. Students were given the opportunity to express what they want to continue with and where there is still room for improvement.

Text: Leonie Persyn
Photos: Hilde Van der Heyden, Nhat-Vu & Dang-Vu Dang & bachelor students

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