Letters to a Young Poet

Truong’s artistic journey mirrors Rilke’s counsel: his passion for art has become a pathway to self‑discovery and identity, nurtured through deliberate solitude and inner reflection. Lacking external support from family or peers, he remained devoted to his vision, guided by intuition and a faith in gradual growth. Echoing Rilke’s emphasis on the spiritual dimensions of love and creativity, Truong embraces hardship and transformation, allowing events to unfold naturally and uncovering beauty in the very process of becoming.

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For this book, Truong constructs every image from his own self‑portrait photography, translating the shots into high‑contrast black‑and‑white halftones. He layers these visuals within a strict grid, using composition to alternate between bold, forceful spreads and quiet, contemplative pauses. Assertive typography anchors the layout, giving the overall design a rhythm that shifts from powerful to restrained while staying firmly rooted in a monochrome palette.