The focal point of my work uses butterflies as a symbol of change, hope, and freedom. I employed the metamorphosis of butterflies to symbolize the journey of refugees transitioning from their homeland to their new home country. To delve into the multistage process of immigrating, I utilized the butterfly chrysalis to reflect the liminal space refugees experience. Butterflies, symbolizing hope, embody the refugees’ hope for a better life, free from persecution. Additionally, many cultures believe that butterflies are connected to the souls of the deceased. In my art piece, this serves as an homage to those that refugees have lost during their journey, as well as the aspects of themselves shed during the assimilation process.
The chrysalis hangs from taut red strings held by a giant, shadowy hand. I specifically chose red for the puppeteer string because of two concepts: the red tape that inhibits the immigration process for refugees and the legend of the red string from Japan. The immigration process to the United States is notoriously long and complex, riddled with ‘red tape.’ The documentation requirements are an unfair logistical nightmare for individuals fleeing war. The journey to the U.S. isn’t always physically easy either, many have to navigate the rules and regulations held by countries they have to cross. In addition to these tribulations, refugees can still be denied entry simply because the U.S. has reached its cap on refugee admissions.
In Japanese legend, a red thread is a symbol of predestined human relations. I used this in combination with the puppeteering hands as a visual metaphor for the militarized refuge created by world powers. The hand, adorned with an American flag cufflink, was my way of visualizing this involvement. I aimed to reflect on the intricate policy landscape that necessitated refuge while also claiming to provide a space of safety.
Within the chrysalis, the woman is covered in a cloth made from flags. Each flag in the artwork is the flag of a country listed on San Diego’s refugee arrival report. I wanted to show how diverse San Diego’s refugee community is. I tried to make it appear as though she is holding them, almost cradling parts of the fabric that adorns her, just as refugees must hold onto connections to their home country and culture.
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