Passport Agency

The installation draws on the artist’s own experience applying for entry into the US to attend the opening of his exhibition; it is intended to take the visitor through the experience of making a visa application. This installation was exhibited at the Mattress Factory, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. The piece was placed at the entrance of the museum. In order to enter the exhibition, the American audience had to go through the same visa process that a Third World citizen would face when attempting to enter the United States. Six actors posing as border protection agents followed interview procedures from U.S embassies around the developing world. At its best, this work contributes to the privileged viewer’s awareness of discrimination based on national, economic, racial, and social background.