Between 2015 and 2017 I reopened the Chijuana portal, the first time I had opened it was in 2007 and 2009. In both experiences I wanted to know the ways that Chinese communities practice and preserve their culture. This photographic album shows the second stage when I reencountered with the community that I met in the past, also how I made new relations. During many moments our coexistence was guided by hand gestures and supported by virtual technology. My mandarin teacher Winnie taught me to say Wǒ shì wéiní de péngyǒu (yo soy amiga de Winnie), we are still friends, I accompanied her to Los Angeles during her pregnancy. I’m still in contact with Ana with whom I still talk when she comes to visit from L.A. Her father went back to China, Sophia’s grandfather as well. The clothing factory is still producing, and many restaurants were closed during the pandemic. Winnie is in Canada now and other people went to continue trading at the east of the Mexican border. In 2023 I see that even if the population has decreased, the Chijuana portal still exists. 

 

ongoing project

Supported by the Young Creators fellowship from the National Endowment for Culture and Arts FONCA 2016-2017