Danh Vo
Dahn Vo (b. 1975) is a contemporary artist whose work explores themes of identity, migration, and the complexities of history through a deeply personal and poignant lens. Born in Vietnam and raised in Denmark, Vo’s practice is informed by his experience as an immigrant, delving into the intersections of culture, memory, and global power structures. His art, often large-scale and conceptual, disrupts conventional narratives by using found objects, historical references, and meticulous assemblages to create installations that evoke emotional resonance and cultural reflection.
Danh Vo, We The People, 2011
One of Vo’s most notable works, We the People (2011–2013), features a replica of the Statue of Liberty, meticulously deconstructed and reassembled in parts. The work invites the viewer to reconsider the ideals of freedom and citizenship, revealing the fragile and complex nature of these concepts. Another iconic piece, Take My Wife (2012), uses a variety of materials—including hand-crafted elements and historical artifacts—to challenge notions of ownership, intimacy, and the legacy of colonialism, all while eliciting an emotional response through its raw vulnerability.
Through his work, Vo encourages viewers to reflect on the emotional and physical distances created by borders, histories, and personal experiences. His installations evoke a quiet but powerful poignancy, as they ask the audience to question not only the stories of others but their own place within those narratives.
Danh Vo, Tropeaolum, 2023
Danh Vo, Untitled, 2024
Dahn Vo currently lives and works in Berlin, Germany. His art continues to transcend geographic and cultural boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on the contemporary art world. Through his exploration of loss, migration, and the passage of time, Vo’s works remain an invitation to reconsider the global complexities of the present.
Danh Vo, Your Mother Sucks Cocks In Hell, 2015