Author Nguyen Manh Duy (born in 1985) has successfully conquered many difficult routes, including three peaks over 8,000m in the Himalayas, including Mount Everest - the "roof of the world".
After 12 years of persistent exploration and learning, the photo book "Himalaya: Land of Fire and Air" by the author has officially been launched. With nearly 500 pages of color printed books and more than 1,000 photos, the book records the journey of more than a decade of attachment to the Himalayas and the cultural life of the "Snow Country".
The author not only records majestic natural moments and local life, but also interprets the layers of cultural meaning and energy hidden deep in each image.
He realized that the "energy treasure trove" of the Himalayas lies in five core elements: Nature - Culture - People - Lifestyle - Belief. These five pillars form a "mandala of the five", the energy structure that shapes the life of the "Snow Country".
I decided to make this book based on my personal views on the energy of the Himalayas. If it were simply a collection of photos and materials after 12 years of experience, I would not have chosen to make a book. I built the book into 5 parts, regulated by 5 colors, corresponding to the five elements that make up the energy of the Himalayas: Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Air," the author said.
He added: "My second favorite point about this book is that about 90% of the photos are taken with a film camera. The images from the film camera bear the imprint of time and convey the true emotions of the photographer.
When shooting with a digital camera, we usually press the shutter continuously, but when shooting a film, the photographer must slow down, feel and capture the moment. In particular, I have dedicated a large amount, nearly 100 pages, to talking about the people of the Himalayas".
Therefore, what leaves an impression on the Himalayas is not only the majestic peaks, but the unique cultural and spiritual life of this land. The book is written with the desire to become a gateway to help Vietnamese readers get closer to Himalayan culture, where nature, people and beliefs blend into a unique spiritual ecosystem.
