Vietnam uncovered

It's a minor miracle that Mitch Epstein's photographic series 'Vietnam' ever saw the light of day. Taken between 1992 and 1995, when a post-war Vietnam first began opening its borders and grudgingly letting the outside world in, the pictures were originally part of a collaborative project with a dissident Vietnamese novelist, allowing the American unusual access to the country - until, that is, Epstein was told he would have to submit the images to the Government for censoring. In a fit of proper artistic temperament, Epstein refused and published them on his own. The resulting shots of a shabby but beautiful Vietnam are stamped with Epstein's trademarks - unassuming moments, gorgeous colours and the occasional flicker of wit.

Holly Kyte