Thursday, November 29, 2007

Hanoi Girl With "Nem."

This photograph was taken on March 19, 2007 in Hanoi's Old Quarter. I think it's one of the better photos taken during the six months I lived and worked in Hanoi.

The girl, who was with a group of friends just let out of school, is holding a kind of "nem," that group of small Vietnamese snacks which includes the spring roll. When I return to Hanoi, I will find out exactly what type of "nem" this is, and, of course, sample this street-food item.

Roland Barthes spoke of the "punctum," that element or detail of a photograph that "wounds." Where is the punctum here, if there is one at all?

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