Small Wars ',' by Ben-Bùi Nguyễn

The series follows my journey of navigating trauma in Vietnamese society, influenced by the socialist values of “Independence, freedom, happiness.” It reflects on my upbringing, memory recollection, and shaping my role in a demanding society's landscape.

Small Wars ‘,’ is a photography-based project that begins with a sense of ambiguity, a feeling of being in-between, existing in a liminal space where vulnerability lingers by delving into personal trauma, memory, and loss within Vietnamese society while challenging prevailing norms and advocating for inclusivity and understanding. The project explores the authenticity, boundaries, and balance between the artist's vision and the subject's autonomy. Set against the backdrop of the motto “Độc Lập - Tự Do - Hạnh Phúc” (Independence - Freedom - Happiness) that represents the core values and aspirations of the Vietnamese state, emphasizing the importance of national sovereignty, individual liberties, and collective well-being. I aim to position myself within a society that promotes these values, “I’m a photographer, also a kid who was raised in a dysfunctional family framed in a demanding society.”

Through the use of photography as a starting point, I seek to recall and recontextualize my childhood experiences in a dysfunctional family, which were marked by significant events such as the tragic loss of my half-brother, the complexities of my relationship with my ex-boyfriend, and the impact of my mother's first marriage. These experiences have shaped my journey of suppressing my feelings and my inner child to function and navigate the challenges of maturity within Vietnamese society that promote a culture of repression and discourage open sharing and questions for the ideal representation of citizens. By confronting my own trauma, I aim to find my place in a demanding world and prompt contemplation of the societal significance of photography in our everyday life experiences. From that, reflecting on a question that I keep asking myself: “How does photography, in its departure from reflecting objective reality, shape our understanding of contemporary life?”

With the hope of opening a dialogue between the ideals of socialism and self-reflection, I focus on underrepresented individuals, challenging societal codes and questioning existing norms. By portraying narratives of emotional struggles and unresolved conflicts, I aim to shed light on the complexities of human conditions within Vietnamese society. By redefining and developing my photographic practice, I aim to provoke introspection, advocate for inclusivity and contribute to the ongoing dialogue on the role of photography in shaping our understanding of contemporary life.

By framing the tensions and contemplations of my experiences, transforming them into a visual interpretation, and blurring the lines between insider and outsider perspectives, I strive to create a visual narrative that genuinely reflects my innermost self. As I grapple with the limitations of representation, I contemplate how to convey different identities while navigating boundaries and addressing ethical considerations; I aim to authentically explore the interplay between art-making and personal narratives, fostering a two-way exchange that intertwines the individual and the communal.

This approach reflects my philosophy and serves as a lesson learned from the past, offering viewers a glimpse into my worldview – a heightened self-awareness deeply rooted in time and place. As I navigate the boundaries between my different selves, I maintain expectations not only for myself but also for those who relate to my work, inviting them to experience the presence of a past moment within the present context.

To feel a sense of self, freeze a moment when no one should see it, and reclaim ownership of one's identity, I named this series Small Wars. ‘,’ It serves as a synthesis of diverse perspectives, desires, and aspirations, woven together to create a visual narrative that reflects my innermost being.