In October 2020, Krzysztof Wodiczko launched Ustedes (Them) which made its debut in the U.S. in this second production. Wodiczko co-opted drone technology, often employed by governments for border surveillance operations, as a medium to broadcast the voices and perspectives of immigrants and refugees. For the New York City iteration of the project, the artist engaged those who are most affected by bans, separations, policing, with a focus on labor exploitation. Wodiczko used his drones to present a series of moving and difficult recorded performances that addressed American immigration issues, just ahead of the 2020 presidential elections.
Wodiczko collaborated with immigrants from South and Central America, both documented and undocumented, with many of the voices coming from older generations who have spent decades working extremely hard in this country in difficult and precarious situations, and without safety nets when they can no longer work or get sick. Immigrants often work longer hours for much less money, have no insurance or pension, and may be subjected to sexual exploitation or xenophobic or racist comments and behaviors without having any paths to proper recourse. As Covid-19 brought essential and front line workers into clear focus, it was time to hear from this most vulnerable group.
To facilitate a thoughtful and sensitive process, More Art worked with Make the Road New York.
To view photos and videos of the 2019 production of this project in Italy, please visit the Loro (Them) project page.
