During an official visit celebrating 45 years of friendship between France and Vietnam, French President Emmanuel Macron was presented with “Hidden Smile”, Réhahn’s portrait of Madam Xong, by then Secretary-General of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Nguyen Phu Trong, who has since become present of Vietnam. Réhahn was honored to have his work chosen to commemorate this wonderful event and was further moved during the unexpected moment when the French President took the time to acknowledge the work, and the symbolism of this photograph.
“A few moments ago, we admired together the work of a French photographer, Réhahn, who has chosen Vietnam as his adopted country. I thank you for this photographic work that you’ve offered me.
He knows how to perfectly capture, in the smile that was photographed here, a portion of the mysteries of your country. Here, in a way, he evokes this phrase that is dear to you, this Asian“ proverb, “The smile that you send out comes back to you”
Président Français, M. Emmanuel Macron
L’ELYSÉE (PARIS) ON 27 MARCH 2018
