Dinh Q. Lê
The Two Widows, 2024
Epson Inkjet Print on Epson Double weight matte paper,
Ph-neutral double sided tape, Acid-free linen tape
Ph-neutral double sided tape, Acid-free linen tape
110 x 230 cm
Copyright The Artist
Dinh Q. Lê (b. 1969 Vietnam, immigrated to the US, lives and works in Vietnam) . Dinh Q. Lê creates a new photo weaving to reflect upon the mirrored lives...
Dinh Q. Lê (b. 1969 Vietnam, immigrated to the US, lives and works in Vietnam) . Dinh Q. Lê creates a new photo weaving to reflect upon the mirrored lives of President John F. Kennedy and his wife Jackie O. with Vietnamese President Ngo Dinh Diem and his de facto first lady of South Vietnam Madame Ngo Dinh Nhu (the wife of his younger brother). Madame Ngo Dinh Nhu played a prominent role in shaping the public image of the Diem regime. She was known for her strong personality and outspoken nature, which often brought her into conflict with the Western press and critics of the government.
Drawing on the similarities of the two families, their close relationship and both presidents’ assassinations, as well as their younger brothers’ assassinations, Lê explores the women of power behind the Vietnam war and how their legacy is being regarded today. One of Lê's most notable techniques is photo weaving, which involves the meticulous process of splicing, interweaving, and layering photographs to construct composite images. He often combines fragmented images, both found and taken by himself, to create intricate and visually captivating compositions. This technique serves as a metaphor for the fragmented nature of memory and history, reflecting the dispersed experiences of individuals and communities affected by social and political upheavals around the Vietnam War.
The background is the Independent palace in Ho Chi Minh City. It is the palace that was bombed and rebuilt under Madam Nhu direction. Madam Nhu and her husband was living the the palace with her brother in law, Ngo Dinh Diem, first president of South Vietnam after the country was divided in 1954.
On 27 February 1962 the palace by was bombed by two dissident Republic of VN Air Force pilots in a failed attempt to assassinate President Diem. Madam Nhu over see the rebuilt of the palace. In a kind of funny overlapping, Jacqueline Kennedy renovate the white house and gave a famous tour of the newly renovated white house on TV on the 14th of February, 1962.
Drawing on the similarities of the two families, their close relationship and both presidents’ assassinations, as well as their younger brothers’ assassinations, Lê explores the women of power behind the Vietnam war and how their legacy is being regarded today. One of Lê's most notable techniques is photo weaving, which involves the meticulous process of splicing, interweaving, and layering photographs to construct composite images. He often combines fragmented images, both found and taken by himself, to create intricate and visually captivating compositions. This technique serves as a metaphor for the fragmented nature of memory and history, reflecting the dispersed experiences of individuals and communities affected by social and political upheavals around the Vietnam War.
The background is the Independent palace in Ho Chi Minh City. It is the palace that was bombed and rebuilt under Madam Nhu direction. Madam Nhu and her husband was living the the palace with her brother in law, Ngo Dinh Diem, first president of South Vietnam after the country was divided in 1954.
On 27 February 1962 the palace by was bombed by two dissident Republic of VN Air Force pilots in a failed attempt to assassinate President Diem. Madam Nhu over see the rebuilt of the palace. In a kind of funny overlapping, Jacqueline Kennedy renovate the white house and gave a famous tour of the newly renovated white house on TV on the 14th of February, 1962.
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