Charlie surfs on Lotus Flowers - A breakthrough project by Simone Sapienza

A flower seller in Ho Chi Minh City, from the series Charlie surfs on Lotus Flowers © Simone Sapienza, courtesy of the artist

“Vietnam was all built in my imagination but just thanks to the cinema, through movies like Apocalypse Now.... I was curious to see what the country that defeated the US looked like.” - Simone Sapienza

'Charlie surfs on Lotus Flowers' by Simone Sapienza took first prize in the Undergraduate category of the 2016 Breakthrough Awards. The series explores the country of Vietnam and how it has changed its vision and future 40 years after the victory over the USA. Simone's images attempt to explore the country "beyond its perfect travel photographs".

The statue of Ho Chi Minh in Ho Chi Minh City, ex Saigon, from the series Charlie surfs on Lotus Flowers © Simone Sapienza, courtesy of the artist

Papaya tree, from the series Charlie surfs on Lotus Flowers © Simone Sapienza, courtesy of the artist

The 2017 Breakthrough Awards provides both graduate and undergraduates the chance to succeed. The jury this year includes Maisie Skidmore, online editor of AnOther Magazine; Emma Bowkett, photography director of the FT Weekend Magazine, and Emma Lewis, assistant curator of Tate Modern. Winners will be published in BJP’s online and printed channels as well as taking part in the group show.


Enter this year's Breakthrough Awards