One out of 30 people around the world are migrants, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) 2022 World Migration Report. 

The story of migration is a universal one, spanning millennia and transcending geographical boundaries. From ancient times to the present day, people have embarked on journeys driven by various influences and dynamics, be it willful movement or forced displacement. As a former Human Rights lawyer and an immigrant myself, I’m deeply interested in understanding the complexities and dynamics of navigating unfamiliar territories, forging new beginnings, and building bridges between homelands and hostlands. 

The term "diaspora," rooted in ancient Greek and Hebrew languages, originally denoted colonization and exile, respectively. The Greek term "dia-speiro," meaning "to sow over," evoked the notion of colonization, and it was based on a translation of the Hebrew word "galut", which described Jews dispersed outside of Palestine after the Babylonian exile. –– In contemporary discourse, however, the resurgence of the concept (and its extension to other groups) has gained prominence in the realm of social sciences, thanks, in no small part, to the work of primarily Black scholars of the African dispersal. Elsa Gouveia, Shirley Anne Tate, W.E.B Du Bois, Elliot Skinner, Abdul Alkalimat, Anny Ocoró Loango, Fernando Ortiz Fernández, Monica Carrillo Zegarra, Juan de Dios Martínez… their activism and academic endeavors to reclaim and reconstruct their hyphenated African history have led to the creation of programs, departments, and initiatives dedicated to studying and preserving ALL diasporic cultures and experiences across the globe.

This exhibition, titled Between, Through, Across, delves into the intricacies of this renewed concept, examining how diasporas exist in a constant state of oscillation and are able to embody multiple cultures through interactions and intra-actions with historical migration patterns, cultural adaptation, national integration, transnational connections, and cultural syncretism. Exploring the profound links between symbolism and storytelling, the exhibit brings together the works of 10 artists who collectively expose the layers of identity, memory, ancestral connection, and belonging within their journeys, both personal and universal.

The name of the show accentuates the origins of the word “diaspora”, also drawing inspiration from the botanical concept of “diaspores” (plant dispersal units, like seeds or spores). With this, I aim to mirror how the artists disseminate their cultural heritage across diverse landscapes while simultaneously adapting to multiple environments. Their works, like themselves, navigate the through and in-between spaces of past and present, stability and uncertainty, continuity and transformation, the roots and the branches. 

Whether fleeting impressions of home or confident assertions of self, the artworks invite viewers to contemplate the permeability and fluid nature of identity. They encourage us to reflect on the interconnectedness of our experiences and the dynamism of diasporic narratives, demonstrating the enduring power of memory and the strength of the human spirit found precisely in its flowingness.

For years after arriving in the U.S. I worked as a nanny, my law degree useless and my documents pending. During this time, my primary network (aside from the kids I cared for –who btw, I adore–) consisted of fellow nannies and neighbors, many of whom were immigrants like myself, hailing from Argentina, Colombia, Brazil, Guatemala, El Salvador, Ghana, Senegal… This experience and exposure to other worlds has been foundational for me, understanding myself as an “other” for the first time, and being reassured by the support of many others as well, whether born domestically or abroad. Some of those people are included in this exhibit. 

Having lived this past decade in Washington DC, a bustling diasporic hub, has been a life-changing experience that continues to inspire and educate me. Within this city, I've had the opportunity to immerse myself in formal and informal learning, gaining insights into vibrant tapestries of global cultures, and even helping me understand the nuances of my own national history and the circumstances surrounding my forced departure. DC has played an integral role in shaping much of my adult life, fostering lasting friendships, influencing my career trajectory, and contributing to the development of my identity and personal growth. I thank this city and the people I’ve encountered here for welcoming me into your universes and trusting me with your stories.

Fabiola R. Delgado
Mentor Curator, Curatorial Initiative
Curator, Between, Through, Across