In a vibrant celebration of diversity and cultural exchange, the participatory public art installation “Transcending Borders – Immigrant Experiences and Dreams” has taken root in Salem’s Artist Row. This captivating project, set to run until September 8th, 2024, invites the community to share and celebrate immigration stories, creating a tapestry of experiences that highlight our shared humanity.
A Colorful Welcome
At the heart of “Transcending Borders” are over 2,000 brightly colored ribbons, each bearing the phrase “YOU ARE WELCOME HERE” in twelve languages commonly spoken by immigrant populations in greater Boston. This rainbow of welcome draws inspiration from a Brazilian custom where wishes are tied to the fence surrounding the historical Church of Senhor do Bonfim in Salvador, Bahia.
But these ribbons are more than just a visual spectacle. They serve as a bridge between the physical and digital realms. Innovative QR codes and a dedicated mailbox encourage public engagement, allowing participants to share their immigration stories. An augmented reality integration takes this interaction a step further, connecting participants with organizations supporting immigrant and refugee rights.
The Artist’s Vision: Julia Csekö
The Artist’s Vision: The creator behind this powerful installation is Julia Csekö, a Brazilian-American visual artist whose own life story embodies the immigrant experience. Born in Colorado to Brazilian parents who were in self-exile during the Brazilian military dictatorship, Csekö grew up in Rio de Janeiro. Her multicultural background deeply informs her work, which gravitates around conversations and experiments grounded in a paradigm shift from competitive to collaborative practices in social actions and interactions.
“Since creating this piece and interacting with the general public, I have learned that there is significant hesitation in sharing immigration stories,” Csekö reflects. “This fear is often triggered by the stigmatization fueled by misinformation and sensationalist narratives. ‘Transcending Borders’ invites us to destigmatize immigration experiences and immigrant cultures by providing a positive perspective on these stories, thus creating a welcoming and safe environment.”
Csekö’s artistic journey is as diverse as her cultural background. She holds an MFA from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University and a BFA from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). Her passion for organizing and advocacy dates back to her time at UFRJ, where she participated in successful negotiations to increase national funding for arts and culture in Brazil.
Breaking Down Barriers
The project has already begun to spark important conversations. As one participant astutely observed, “There’s just a big aversion to being an immigrant. It’s like a negative thing, even unconsciously, even if you’re not someone who thinks negative things about immigrants. We tend to hide it.”
Each story shared through the project is treasured as a small breakthrough in normalizing the idea that most folks in the USA are immigrants in one way or another. Participants can choose to remain anonymous or share their identity, with their stories fueling the creation of new sound, textile, and word-based artwork.
A Residency of Connection
Csekö’s work on “Transcending Borders” is part of the Salem Public Artist Residency, which provides her with the space, time, and funding to develop a new body of work. The Artist Row studio serves as a gathering point for the community, hosting storytelling events and fostering connections.
“This residency is a unique opportunity to create public participatory art that sparks conversations to destigmatize immigrant populations in North America,” Csekö explains. “I am excited to experiment with materials and ideas that are connected to my Brazilian culture, such as the colorful ribbons featured in the Transcending Borders public installation.”
An Artist of International Acclaim
Julia Csekö’s work has garnered significant recognition in the art world. She was a keynote speaker at the GDIP 2023 International Art and Design Forum in Guangzhou, China, and has received numerous awards and residencies. These include the SMFA Travelling Fellowship, the Collective Futures Grant, a Be The Change Award, and local cultural council grants from the towns of Somerville, Randolph, and Newton.
Currently, Csekö is an Artist-in-Residence at the Boston Center for the Arts and the City of Salem Public Artist in Residence. Her work is held in prestigious collections such as the Tufts Permanent Collection, Emerson College, MAM Rio, Morris and Belkin Gallery, CC São Paulo, and various private collections. In 2025, she is invited to return to MassMoCA as an A4A Alumni Artist-in-Residence.
Looking Ahead
The “Transcending Borders” project doesn’t end with the installation. Csekö has partnered with Salem Access TV to create a series of interviews featuring immigrant voices, and she will curate storytelling events throughout her tenure. The residency will culminate in an exhibition at Old Town Hall in January 2025, bringing together the stories, art, and connections made throughout the project.
Join the Conversation
Whether you’re an immigrant yourself, descended from immigrants, or simply interested in learning more about the diverse experiences that shape our communities, “Transcending Borders” offers a unique opportunity for engagement and reflection.
As Csekö invites, “Come visit, take a ribbon, and tell a story.” In doing so, you’ll be part of a larger narrative celebrating our differences while highlighting our shared hopes and dreams.
Visit Artist Row in Salem to experience “Transcending Borders – Immigrant Experiences and Dreams” and add your voice to this important conversation. Together, we can create a more welcoming and understanding community for all.
