Where Do I Go From Here
吾歸何處
Multi-channel video on projectors and a led tv screen, 23 minutes looped,
Handmade pith curtain, bamboo sticks, condoms, fish net,
transparent acrylic stand, mirror cases, hanging wires
Size variable
2024

Installation video

In our shared understanding of smuggling, particularly at irregular border crossings, it’s universally acknowledged as a violation. However, beyond those who engage in opportunistic and illegal immigration, there are numerous individuals who take extraordinary risks and face immense danger from one place to another. Some traverse over difficult terrain, crossing mountains and oceans. They embark on this perilous journey fully aware that they can never return to their place of origin. Their future is fraught with uncertainty and peril. This raises important questions: What compels them to take such desperate measures? Is it solely for the promise of a better life? And who has the authority to determine if the promise of a better life is an existential matter or one of preference?

As an Asian immigrant artist, Steven Dragonn’s focus has long centered on immigration, personal and social identity, and social injustice. He deeply empathizes with the confusion and discrimination experience when relocating to a foreign land, awareness of the hardships and helplessness prevailed among marginalized sectors of society. Undocumented individuals can also make significant contributions to society. Examples include millions individuals from Guangdong evading famine and the Cultural Revolution, clandestinely embarking on perilous journeys to Hong Kong from the 1960s to early 1980s, resulting the prosperity of the city and its subsequent influence of economy back on contemporary China.

Such journeys, which is predominantly rooted in past poverty, have become increasingly prevalent nowaday. Contrary to popular belief, many of them are not destitute; they possess education, stable employment, and social standing in China. However, mainland China’s recent political action has resulted in a violation of universal values. How will not only the US but also Canada and BC, as the most open gateway to Asia in North America, confront such a situation?

Drawing inspiration from historical and contemporary migration narratives, the project explores the motivations and challenges faced by migrants; the conflict between a desire for survival, a willingness to undertake risks and the dangers of illegality; the impact of migration on host communities; and the clash between institutional systems and the diverse cultures of migrants and refugees.

By questioning the definition of borders, examining dispersal and aggregation of communities, and exploring the dynamics between previous settlers and newcomers, traditional chinese literati spiritual and vulgar action, this project reimagines a journey in which a person is smuggled across sea in a fragile boat made of contraception material. It challenges preconceived notions and stereotypes associated with undocumented immigrants, emphasizing their potential to contribute positively to society.

(Installation view)

This project is produced on the unceded territories of the xwməθkwəyə̓ m (Musqueam),Sḵwxw̱ ú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ ílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples. We honour, respect, and acknowledge to our hosts.

This project is also funded by BC Arts Council Media Project Grant, Steven Dragonn expresses his gratitude to the BC Arts Council for their generous support.

Steven Dragonn extends special thanks to CICA Vancouver and Directrice Viahsta Yuan for their generosity in providing the space for the premiere screening, as well as Katharine Meng-Yuan Yi for her in-kind support in providing the shooting equipment.

Project Advisors Jo-Anne Birnie-Danzker, Ying Wang, Xiaoyan Yang
Storyteller Pok Chi Lau
Videograph Director / Photography / Editing Steven Dragonn
Choreography & Performance Directing Kay Huang
Performance Silas Barnes
Chinese Calligraphy Xiaoyan Yang
Sound & Music / Zheng (Chinese Zither) Selena Jialiang Yu
Tapestry Weaver Shaoyun Li
Video Shooting Crew / Set & Installation assistants Zhifeng Cai, Kristin Man, Sam Lam, Boqiang Li, Jeffrey Li, Linlai Liu, Ted Liu, Rebecca Wang, Shawn Yan, Sean Zhang
Documentation Alger Liang