Clandestino: The Transatlantic Dilemma of Illegal Immigration in Italy and The United States

Abstract

Clandestino, a cognate in the three in languages, English, Spanish and Italian refers to something done in secret and usually for illicit reasons. Through research into illegal immigration in each the countries of the United States, Mexico and Italy; this term embodies the cross-cultural phenomenon and the physical manifestations of its stigmatization in each country. The fabricated site-specific installation at the Steinfeld Warehouse in Tucson, Arizona recreates an early childhood memory, and first encounter with this controversial subject. A multiple piece entity, consisting of paper, light, wood and steel sculpture, and text, the created environment Clandestino contemplates firsthand experiences of migration through numerous perspectives and the role of hope as the driving force within human nature to persevere in the face of adversity.