The Golden Door Project

In 1905 the artist’s grandmother immigrated to the United States from Hungary. As a lone teenager, she left her home and twin brother in search of a better life in America. Nagy reflects on this journey and wonders who translated the following portion of Emma Lazarus’s The New Colossus to her grandmother as her ship entered the New York Harbor. 

…’Give me your tired, your poor, 

your huddled masses yearning to breathe free

The wretched refuse from your teaming shore. 

Send these the homeless tempest-tost to me.

I lift my lamp beside the golden door 

The Golden Door Project is an ongoing series that brings together the voices of people with a shared dream. Based on audio and written translations from individuals that immigrated to the US between 1950-2010, this multi-media installation documents over 55 years of transcontinental experience.