On my father’s 63rd birthday, I flew from New York to Las Vegas to visit him. This would be the first time I ventured out west in almost 10 years. It would also be when I decided I would move to Las Vegas to reconcile our 20-year estrangement.
One year and three months later, I gave up my vibrant life in New York City. The fear of my father’s inevitable death became insurmountable. I could not live knowing he would die and all that would remain after would be the hate I held for him.
The images in this collection span the last 7 years: my initial visit, the 2 years in which I called Las Vegas my home, and the intermittent trips taken while rebuilding my life in New York City.
Through photography, I grew to love the man who I resembled but did not know.
A work in progress, 2011-present.
Dad in new condo, 2011
Dad watching my car get towed, 2013
Dad at the pool, 2011
Dad at his childhood home, 2014
Dad and I arguing, 2013
Dad with binoculars, 2013
Dad and his diabetes medication, 2013
Dad and I on Thanksgiving, 2015
Dad reading the newspaper, 2014
Dad and I visit Uncle Harry, 2013
Dad's morning ritual of Birkot Hashahar, 2011
Dad at home, 2014
Dad and Grandma in Deal, New Jersey, 2016
Dad and me on Father's Day, 2014
Dad visits me in Brooklyn, 2015
Dad with his new hairpiece, 2013
Dad assisting his only grandson's bris, 2014
Dad at Lake Mead, 2016