The Narrows refers to the thin stretch of water in New York City separating Brooklyn and Staten Island. Now connected by the Verrazano Bridge, this waterway is one of the most significant gateways in American history. Between 1892 and 1954, over 12 million immigrants sailed through the Narrows to arrive at Ellis Island: the nation’s busiest immigrant inspection station of the time.

This unaltered footage presents the boat journey between Ellis Island and Manhattan: the liminal waters not yet deemed "America", where the future of the individual confronted the reality of politics and power. Narrated by three interviews from the Ellis Island Oral History project, the stories we hear from those who experienced Ellis firsthand highlight the core reasons, then and now, for risking everything to cross a border: safety, security, and a search for a better life.

The Narrows
Video Installation
Run time: 11m 48s
2017/18

The Narrows refers to the thin stretch of water in New York City separating Brooklyn and Staten Island. Now connected by the Verrazano Bridge, this waterway is one of the most significant gateways in American history. Between 1892 and 1954, over 12 million immigrants sailed through the Narrows to arrive at Ellis Island: the nation’s busiest immigrant inspection station of the time.

This unaltered footage presents the boat journey between Ellis Island and Manhattan: the liminal waters not yet deemed "America", where the future of the individual confronted the reality of politics and power. Narrated by three interviews from the Ellis Island Oral History project, the stories we hear from those who experienced Ellis firsthand highlight the core reasons, then and now, for risking everything to cross a border: safety, security, and a search for a better life.

The Narrows
Video Installation
Run time: 11m 48s
2017/18

The Narrows refers to the thin stretch of water in New York City separating Brooklyn and Staten Island. Now connected by the Verrazano Bridge, this waterway is one of the most significant gateways in American history. Between 1892 and 1954, over 12 million immigrants sailed through the Narrows to arrive at Ellis Island: the nation’s busiest immigrant inspection station of the time.

This unaltered footage presents the boat journey between Ellis Island and Manhattan: the liminal waters not yet deemed "America", where the future of the individual confronted the reality of politics and power. Narrated by three interviews from the Ellis Island Oral History project, the stories we hear from those who experienced Ellis firsthand highlight the core reasons, then and now, for risking everything to cross a border: safety, security, and a search for a better life.

The Narrows
Video Installation
Run time: 11m 48s
2017/18

The Narrows refers to the thin stretch of water in New York City separating Brooklyn and Staten Island. Now connected by the Verrazano Bridge, this waterway is one of the most significant gateways in American history. Between 1892 and 1954, over 12 million immigrants sailed through the Narrows to arrive at Ellis Island: the nation’s busiest immigrant inspection station of the time.

This unaltered footage presents the boat journey between Ellis Island and Manhattan: the liminal waters not yet deemed "America", where the future of the individual confronted the reality of politics and power. Narrated by three interviews from the Ellis Island Oral History project, the stories we hear from those who experienced Ellis firsthand highlight the core reasons, then and now, for risking everything to cross a border: safety, security, and a search for a better life.

The Narrows
Video Installation
Run time: 11m 48s
2017/18