Brian Van Lau's Photographic Reconciliation with Estranged Father

Brian Van Lau's photo project, 'We're Just Here for the Bad Guys,' delves into his relationship with his estranged father, who was incarcerated during Lau's childhood but later rebuilt his life in Vietnam. After nearly a decade, Lau returned to Vietnam when his father became seriously ill, only to learn he had terminal cancer. During their final week, they collaborated on a photo project documenting his father’s struggle against the disease. After his father's death, Lau returned to Hawai'i and discovered letters that revealed more about his father’s life. He worked with his grandparents to honor his father's memory by scattering his ashes across O'ahu while piecing together their family history. Lau, a self-taught photographer from Honolulu and Los Angeles, released his first monograph in 2026 with Light Work, along with a solo exhibition. He's also a 2025 Penumbra Workspace Artist-in-Residence and has received various accolades, with his work featured in notable publications.