Concept
In recent years, the socialist, one-party state of Vietnam has experienced enormous economic growth similar to that in China. One example of this rapid development is seen in a boom in the construction industry that is driven by speculation. This leads to the familiar phenomenon of itinerant labour. My work shows the places where the itinerant labourers sleep on construction sites in Vietnam’s capital city, Hanoi. These temporary buildings hung with nets create a room within a room that serves as a bed and home for the labourers. This suggests a modicum of privacy and protects them against dust and mosquitos.
Vita
Sebastian Keitel, Cologne
Exhibitions: June–October 2012: Megacool 4.0 – Jugend und Kunst, K-haus Vienna; April 2012: Bildspuren – Unruhige Gegenwarten, 7th Darmstädter Tage der Fotografie; February 2012: katapult drei, Frankfurt; November 2011–January 2012: Prix Leica 2010, MARTa Herford; June–July 2011: Architektur + Fotografie, DAZ_FORUM Berlin; January 2011: My Home Is My Castle, Galerie Albrecht, Berlin; October–November 2010: Vattenfall Fotopreis 2010, C/O Berlin; June 2010–April 2011: Born to be wild?, Luxembourg City History Museum; June 2010: HÀ NOI, Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences gallery; September 2009: Taboo, Photomeetings Luxembourg
www.sebastiankeitel.euJury Statement
Sebastian Keitel’s portfolio, ‘HOME’, focuses on the miserable, yet creatively constructed, dormitories of itinerant labourers in Vietnam, and simultaneously spotlights the enormous and unresolved issues of equality and justice around the globe. This point of view is extraordinary in the genre of architectural photography, and was therefore chosen as the award winner.