Visa Issues is the main project I am working on at the moment. It is about humans, our cultural diversities, and it is also my way of exploring the deep-seated trauma imposed on me by my own visa issues. I am learning at the core of visa issues are people, at times, desperately clinging to hope and exploration to better their future. I will be using visa issues as a way to discover myself beyond my experiences, allowing me to see that we are all composed of so many parts from around the world: a shared collective.This is the work: at its core an homage to the human cultural heritage that resulted from millennia of walks and migrations. Visa issues as a physical concept, as well as an exploration, it is to be the difference between transactional engagements and transformative ones. I will engage in a critical dialogue with the public through various forms of exhibitions and curatorial projects, poignant artifacts, objects for sale or for showcase, research, and writing. Engaging with people via panels, lectures, social media, and community outreach, in order to expand the audiences to those who have, and have not been affected by visa issues. With this opportunity utilizing a funded peerspace, I can create visuals for the narratives of people who never get to tell their stories. As an Immigrant myself deeply affected by visa issues, these explorations are close to me in all ways possible. The last four years have been a trial to say the least, the pandemic and political climate giving the world a taste of the immigrant experience (lack of travel, wage uncertainty, limited medical care) the world is ready for these conversations. I'd like the opportunity to use my skills as an image creator to help other immigrants or people experiencing visa issues a chance to tell their stories while simultaneously building the courage to also tell mine.
I will create portrait series and videos of a model named Amelia in an attempt to tell her immigration story. She was discovered in the Dominican Republic and came to the states on a work visa specifically an O-1 visa, one sponsored by her mother agency. This editorial is an exploration in storytelling that tells Amelia's struggles within the fashion industry while experiencing visa issues, it aims to shine a light on the very specific aspect of the immigration experience that involves creatives who deal with an 0-1 or HB visa status or the infamous 'Artist visa', recipients often known as "extraordinary aliens". I'd like the opportunity, in using peerspace + peerspace resources to put together a team of experts who have already pledged their time and hours to the visa issues brand and concept to execute this photoshoot with professionalism, creative power, and the collaborative spirit, all immigrant stories deserve.
Peerspace is on a mission to bring people together. We believe it is impossible to achieve that goal unless we also fight for equality and access to resources in the communities we serve.
Having a space to gather, create, and exchange ideas is an important part of any movement. In order to magnify voices that are often quieted, Peerspace will sponsor venues for people who challenge prejudice and fight for social justice and equality.
Each quarter, we will sponsor space for three projects that are relevant to our community. These projects can range from fundraisers and educational initiatives to art exhibits and photo series.
