It has always been my parents’ wish that my sister and I one day would have the opportunity to celebrate Tết—the Vietnamese New Year—as they had in Vietnam. I have yet to have that experience, unfortunately. The closest I have come to such has been the small celebrations of both Tết and Chinese New Year in Chicago. I cannot help but to feel that these Americanised facsimiles pale in comparison to the grand festivities in Saigon. Until I can fulfill my parents’ wishes, Tết—as it meant to be—is still beyond reach.
“Tết: Beyond Reach” is a collection of 36 vibrant photographs I have made in the past two Tếts in Chicago.
