Love Transcends Death

Love Transcends Death is a tribute to my late father, Vũ Hữu Chí, affectionately known as Bố. His passing at the age of 62 when I was 23 left me with countless unanswered questions about his life. Through old photographs, I discovered glimpses of a confident and handsome young man, contrasting with the quiet, anxious, and timid figure I had known. Over the past nine years since he's been gone, I embarked on a journey to reconcile these different versions of him, piecing together his story through conversations with his four surviving siblings, who knew him most intimately. 

Building these relationships with my aunts and uncle not only filled the gaps in my understanding but also deepened my connection to my Vietnamese roots and appreciation for my family's migration history. In this body of work, candid portraits of my elders accompanied by my audio reflection recounting my experience of grief and life after the loss of a parent, serve as an invitation to explore the profound influence of love even in the absence of physical presence. My memories of Bố, as well as the recollections shared by others, have instilled within me an abundance of love that continues to nourish me to this day. 

The creation of this work draws inspiration from the teachings of Vietnamese Buddhist monk and peace activist, Thích Nhất Hạnh, particularly from his book How to Live When a Loved One Dies. His words, "Enjoy everything for them. When you are fully mindful and connected with your loved ones and ancestors in the present moment, everyone benefits from the peace, joy, and beauty it brings. This is how we heal ourselves, our loved ones, and keep them alive within us," shape my artistic expression, centering the healing power of mindfulness and the eternal presence of love that transcends death.