Editorial/Personal Work
"Choice of the Day" captures the experience of living between cultures. The title refers to the act of cultural switching, which bicultural individuals, in this case, Vietnamese and Vietnamese Americans in the United States, navigate at various moments in their lives, often on a daily basis. The work centers on the role of food within this process of cultural negotiation, recognizing cuisine as a vital and deeply rooted element of Vietnamese identity. Food not only reflects the distinct flavors of different regions but also embodies labor, care, and resilience, qualities often associated with the Vietnamese spirit.
Pho and chicken noodle soup serve as the central elements of the piece. Through their contrast, the work highlights a cultural narrative shaped by both opposition and choice. Pho is widely recognized as a traditional Vietnamese dish, while chicken noodle soup represents a classic form of comfort within American cuisine. This contrast is further emphasized through visual details such as plating styles, condiments, and accompanying side dishes, drawing attention to the subtle yet meaningful ways cultures express themselves through food.
