SALT OF THE EARTH:
Tales of Immigration & Assimilation
LOCATION:
1 Times Square, New York, NY, United States, 10036
SIZE:
30,000 ft² / 2,787 m²
TYPE:
Cultural
Description:
This cultural exhibition focuses on the exposure of implicit biases to drive a change in self being and will ultimately drive the immigration system to work better. The design for this exhibition integrates, redefines and expands beliefs of immigration. This intervention takes into account the history of immigration in New York, personal immigrant tales, as well as the history and makeup of the building it sits within. With a goal to attract natural born Americans, this boutique exhibition utilizes big data analytics and projection mapping to curate personalized gallery displays.
Used as a metaphor for immigration, salt was explored as its ability to preserve, decay, dissolve and recrystallize translated into the introduction, assimilation and recognition of immigrant culture in America. Through experimentations the process of salt was broken down and guided the interventions form, program, narrative and experience as it relates to an immigrants journey.
The physical and digital narratives of the exhibition merge together as the intervention form and function follow a clear narrative and emotional journey. Through exposure of implicit biases, self discovery and change of being, a more empathetic course for the future is paved while preserving cultural roots of the past.