This collection of portraits is a exhibition of children of immigrants from all across the world.  Each collection of photographs uniquely displays the individual identities of each subject. Their identity is neither traditionally "American" nor "Immigrant" but is its own a unique compilation of character. 

 

All of us—though detached from our motherlands physically—striving to establish our own identities in the modern western world while paying homage to the heritages of our parents. 

 

As a descendant of a Tunisian immigrant, I know the duality of being raised African/Muslim and American. We often feel stuck, uncategorized, in between the two worlds; neither African/Muslim enough nor American enough to fit in. But also, being first-gen means we are excellent synthesizers of culture. We are code-switchers, slang-interpreters and parent-translators. We are the very manifestation of our parents dreams. We are the binding connection between the new western world views and the old secrets of our mother land.  We are the actual melting pot. 

 

It can be tempting to feel like a culture imposter, but I’m learning more and more,  that what is traditional is not what’s magical about the American Dream. We, and our transcending identities, are the American Dream,. 

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