Immigrant Vessels

Like a plant biologist studying cells under a microscope to understand a larger plant, I “go small” to resolve the epic picture of globalization. My work is about individual bodies propelled forward by the currents of history, political movements, and individual hungers. It is about the impossibility of shedding history and culture like snakeskin, however dearly we may want to “arrive” someplace new.

I repurposed a "waterless aquarium" to create an art piece that explores the push and pull of immigration by individuals.

The "waterless aquarium" has a backlit photographic image. Ocean wave sounds emanate from the piece. A mylar film with adhesive transfers of the artist's drawings scrolls endlessly in front of the photographic image. These drawings are simple iconic images related to individual stories, and long histories, of immigration. Spanish galleons butt up against modern sedans and airplanes; elements of various national flags loop across each other on the scroll.



A Deficit Surplus (mp4)
Mixed media
19'' x 12''
2007




A Deficit Surplus
Mixed media
19'' x 12''
2007




500 Year Old Baby
Mixed media
19'' x 12''
2007



The Scholar (detail)
Mixed media
19'' x 12''
2008



Man to Man
Mixed media
19'' x 12''
2008