Peace Begins with Love
I started a project called "Peace begins with love" in the fall of 2016.My inspiration was drawn from Mahatma Gandhi's words that “Peace between countries must rest on the solid foundation of love between individuals.” The initial idea of this project was to share Gandhi’s message through photos. I carry a “Love” sign written by a New York City-based Chinese calligrapher Thomson Chou as I travel to different cities of the world. In each city, I pick a landmark with historical significance such as Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile in Paris; or a place with a unique character such as Castro Street in San Francisco. At each landmark, I hold the “Love” sign and take a photo to draw the connection between the place and the message “Peace begins with love.”
Along the way, I've explored different methods and approaches. I started by inviting a local resident to participate in my project by holding the sign and being in the photo. In some cities where I did not have the “Love” sign with me, I selected materials that were available to me at that particular moment to show the message of Love. For example, I used petals and leaves of a bouquet I received from a friend to arrange the letters of “Love” in San Francisco. For this project, all photos were taken using an iPhone because it allows me to instantly share the pictures on social media. In this way, I can engage with people without boundaries by sharing and interacting with the audience through comments. I am hoping to spread the message by leveraging the power of photos and social media, and if possible, to initiate a collective photo movement. My plan is to encourage people to take photos of their own “Love” sign, capturing the moment of love, and sharing the photos with a hashtag “#peacebeginswithlove” on social media. I hope that people who participate reflect on their photographic moment and experience of love, share the moment they capture with others, collectively send the message “Peace begins with love.”
*All of the photos were taken by an iPhone 6s.
Along the way, I've explored different methods and approaches. I started by inviting a local resident to participate in my project by holding the sign and being in the photo. In some cities where I did not have the “Love” sign with me, I selected materials that were available to me at that particular moment to show the message of Love. For example, I used petals and leaves of a bouquet I received from a friend to arrange the letters of “Love” in San Francisco. For this project, all photos were taken using an iPhone because it allows me to instantly share the pictures on social media. In this way, I can engage with people without boundaries by sharing and interacting with the audience through comments. I am hoping to spread the message by leveraging the power of photos and social media, and if possible, to initiate a collective photo movement. My plan is to encourage people to take photos of their own “Love” sign, capturing the moment of love, and sharing the photos with a hashtag “#peacebeginswithlove” on social media. I hope that people who participate reflect on their photographic moment and experience of love, share the moment they capture with others, collectively send the message “Peace begins with love.”
*All of the photos were taken by an iPhone 6s.
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Sagrada Familia,BarcelonaThe Sagrada Familia of Barcelona is a large unfinished Roman Catholic church in Barcelona and was designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi. Originally, the construction of Sagrada Familia was commenced under architect Francisco Paula de Villar in 1882.When Villar resigned in 1883, Gaudi took over as principal architect.The construction of Sagrada Familia was progressing slowly because it relied entirely on private funding and was interrupted by the Spanish Civil War, only to resume intermittent progress in the 1950s and is anticipated to complete in 2026, the centenary of Gaudi's death.Although the basílica has a long history of dividing the citizens of Barcelona, it is by far the "The most extraordinary personal interpretation of Gothic architecture since the Middle Ages.” said, Paul Goldberger. The Sagrada Familia not only reflects Gaudi's's talent in architectural design but also his vision of a church, “A church is the only thing worthy of representing the soul of a person, for religion is the most elevated reality in man.” My interpretation of Gaudi’s vision of a church is a place where people can gather to worship, love, because "God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.." - In 1 John, chapter 4:16. The very essence of God is love. With love, comes peace! Thus, I chose Sagrada Familia as the beginning point of the “Peace begins with Love” journey.
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The Facade of the Nativity, Sagrada Familia, BarcelonaWhen Gaudi died in a trolley accident in 1926, only the Facade of Sagrada Familia was completed. He left a notable saying that, “My client (God) is not in a hurry.” After many interruptions, the construction of the Sagrada Familia today is in the final stage and is expected to finish in 2026. Although Gaudi has no opportunity to see the completion, his faith in God remains in every piece of the Sagrada Familia. The Facade of the Nativity seen here was the first completed and examined to be related to the Christian themes of faith, hope, and charity representing the Gaudi’s vision of a church and his general perspective of humanity. I hope the “Love” sign here reminds people Gaudi’s faith and love for humanity.
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The Berlin Wall, BerlinThe Berlin Wall was a nearly one hundred miles long guarded concrete barrier built by the German Democratic Republica in 1961 that physically and ideologically divided Berlin, preventing citizens from communist East German fleeting to democratic West German from the from 1961 to 1989. In 1989, a series of revolutions in Poland and Hungary caused a chain reaction in East Germany that ultimately resulted at the end of the Wall. On November 9, 1989, the East German Communist Party announced that citizens of the GDR could cross the boundary line, the mass crowd swarmed the wall and chipped away part of the wall over the weeks. In the summer of 1990, the demolition of the Wall began and was 1992. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the German reunification process began, and it formally ended on 3 October 1990. Berlin reunited with a single city. During the 28 years of the inception of the Berlin Wall, many folks suffered from separation. Hundreds of attempts were made to cross the Berlin Wall, and many people died trying. Many sad stories buried in the remnant at of the Berlin Wall. I hope the “Love” sign here reminds people to come together in unity with love.
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The Checkpoint Charlie, BerlinThe Checkpoint Charlie was a crossing point between East Berlin and West Berlin during the Cold War (1947–1991). It is a symbol of the Cold War, representing the separation of East and West Germany. Checkpoint Charlie witnessed numerous attempts to escape from East Berlin. Many people failed the attempt and were killed. After the dissolution of the Eastern Bloc and the reunification of Germany, Checkpoint Charlie became a tourist attraction. The site reflects on current challenges regarding freedom and human rights of the world, and I hope the “Love” sign here reminds people to come together in oneness with love.
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Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano), Milan
Milan Cathedral is the biggest Gothic cathedral and the second largest Catholic cathedral in the world. The construction of the Cathedral officially started in 1386 by Bishop Antonio DA Saluzzo and was commissioned by the ruler of Gian Galeazzo Visconti. Gian Galeazzo Visconti ’s grand vision of the Cathedral is to celebrate the Visconti Signoria and its ambitious expansion policy, as considerably as to impose an edifice in the heart of Milan replacing sites of the worship. The Cathedral took near six centuries to complete. Besides being an artistic monument, the Milan Cathedral has been symbol concerning the life of religion in the city of Milan and worldwide, millions of faithful come to give testimony to faithfulness to Christ's Gospel and to worship God’s love for people. I hope the “Love" sign here reminds people that God’s love is universal, as in 1 Peter 3:8, “ Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.”
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Arc de triomphe de l'Étoile, ParisThe Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile is one of the most massive of all triumphal arches in Paris. The Construction of Arc de Triomphe was ordered in 1806 by Napoleon to honor those who fought and perished in France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. The construction of Arc de Triomphe was designed by Jean Chalgrin and completed in 1836 after Napoleon's death in 1821.The names of all French victories and generals inscribed on the inner and outer surfaces of Arc de Triomphe, and beneath its vault lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I. Arc de Triomphe is France's symbol of nationalism. I hope the “Love” sign here reminds people to stand for the value of France's national motto - liberty, equality, fraternity.
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The Hôtel de Ville, ParisThe Hôtel de Ville de Paris has been the headquarters of the municipality of Paris since 1357.Since its inception, it has functioned as the spot where public executions were conducted and have been a site for unrest and rebellion. The Hôtel de Ville de Paris witnessed many historical events including many brutal events during the French Revolution. During the French Revolution, The Paris Commune chose the Hôtel de Ville as its home base. Later, the anti-Commune troops approached the building, and Communards set fire to the Hôtel de Ville destroying the building. The current building was built by architects Théodore Ballu and Edouard Deperthes in 1871. The Hôtel de Ville de Paris resumed its role serving as the administration for Paris since then, and many events held at The Hôtel de Ville. In 1944, General Charles de Gaulle made his famous speech celebrating the Liberation of Paris. I hope the “Love” sign here reminds people to stand for the value of France's national motto - liberty, equality, fraternity.
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The Colosseum, Rome
The Colosseum is the largest amphitheater that ever built. It was constructed under the Roman Emperor Vespasian in AD72 and was completed in AD 80 under Titus. The Colosseum was used for many purposes, including gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as animal hunts, mock sea battles, re-enactments of famous battles, performances and dramas. For centuries, the Romans killed thousands of people whom they deemed as criminals, as well as professional fighters and animals in The Colosseum. After going through several natural and humanmade destruction, two-thirds of the original Colosseum was destroyed. Today, the Colosseum still stands as a glorious monument to the Roman imperial power and ruthlessness. Although the Colosseum was a place hosting terrible crimes and atrocities, I hope the “Love” sign here brings a new meaning of this place, reminds people to love humanity and to seek peace even when it appears impossible.
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St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican
St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the holiest temples for Christendom. It is where the Pope presides many liturgies all year round. The construction of St. Peter's Basilica begun by Pope Julius II in 1506 and completed in 1615 under Paul V. Twice a year, on Christmas Day and Easter Sunday, The Pope presents a special blessing, Urbi et Orbi ("to the City and the World.”), to the crowd on the central loggia of Saint Peter's Basilica. On the Christmas Day of 2016, the Pope Francis proclaimed the year as a Holy Year of Mercy, calling for peace in Syria and other countries. Pope Francis addressed, "May Israelis and Palestinians have the courage and determination to write a young page of history, where hate and revenge give way to the will to build together a future of mutual understanding and harmony.” The speech marks the pope's efforts to heal divisions within the Christian world and dissension in the Catholic Church. I hope the “Love” sign here reminds people The Pope’s call for peace and unity. As in John 13:34-35 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”
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Castro Street, San FranciscoSan Francisco is has a long history of embracing the gay and lesbian culture and perhaps recognized as the world’s most queer destination.The Castro District, having transformed from a working-class neighborhood through the 1960s and 1970, was one of the first gay neighborhoods in the United States and remains one of the most prominent symbols of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) activism and events in the world.In August 2014, An LGBT Walk of Fame was installed with an inaugural 20 sidewalk plaques representing past LGBT icons in their field.Despite the LGBT community of United States has made the leaps and bound advocating their right in the last decades, the community is long suffering from prejudice and inequality. On June 25, 2017, the theme of the San Francisco Pride Parade celebrated the year of diversity and had a message of love, peace, resistance. I hope the “Love” sign here sends the message that love is the answer in resisting oppression and we are one human family.
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Liyu Mountain, Taitung
Liyu Mountain is an isolated 75-meter-high hill in Taitung City of Taiwan. The shape of the mountain looks like a carp, and it offers a great view overlooking downtown Taitung City. Taiwan is my birth land and my root. It was known as “Ilha Formosa” which means “ The Beautiful Isle” in Portuguese. Although I have traveled far away from the land, I always amazed by the beauty of the island whenever I visit. In the world where wars are mostly resulting from the conflict over the land, I hope the image here reminds people to pay the respect, to love the land, and to recognize we are all from one land of the earth. Just as Anwar Sadat once said, “Peace is much more precious than a piece of land…let there be no more wars."
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