Blooms in Concrete

Visual fragments from the Vietnamese community in Lichtenberg

Located in East Berlin, the Lichtenberg district carries the visible legacy of its Soviet past in both architecture and atmosphere. Over the past decades, this neighborhood has undergone a quiet evolution, profoundly reshaped by the presence of the Vietnamese community.

Originally arriving between the 1960s and late 1980s as Vertragsarbeiter (contract workers) under socialist agreements, many chose to stay and rebuild their lives here after the fall of the Wall. Today, the Dong Xuan Center stands as the beating heart of this community.

In 2022, I had the opportunity to document two pivotal moments: the April 30th Reunification Day and the 30th anniversary of the community's formal roots in Berlin.

These images are visual fragments of a culture blooming between the concrete blocks of the former GDR. Through playful re-enactments and traditional celebrations, women emerge as the central figures, guiding the narrative of identity, memory, and community.

2022 — Berlin