Ingrid Samapio

“I love working out,  traveling and I have owned a cleaning company for 5 years. “

- Fun fact about Ingrid

Artist statement

Our Journey is dedicated to giving visibility to the often-overlooked immigrants who play a crucial role in this country.

I grew up in Brazil and came to the United States when I was twenty. I had dreamed of coming to the United States since I was 13. Even when I was young, my dream of coming to America was rooted in the circumstances of my life. My family in Brazil was poor, and the lack of opportunities compelled me to come to the United States. I remember vividly the day I left home; my mother was crying. She did not want me to go. As I write this, I still tear up. She had no choice but to let her daughter seek better opportunities in this new place called America.

Adjusting to my new life was very challenging. I had to learn a new language and find work, which was hard due to the language barrier. But perseverance paid off, and after 13 years, I became an American citizen. My experience inspired me to create 'Our Journey.' Through photography and interviews, I document the stories of immigrants becoming citizens. Each story is unique yet shares the sacrifice of leaving homelands and loved ones behind to pursue the American Dream.

In "Our Journey," photography is a powerful medium to convey these stories. It captures the nuanced expressions of hope, determination, and the occasional despair of those journeying toward American citizenship. This visual narrative seeks to evoke empathy and understanding, highlighting the resilience required to overcome the challenges faced by immigrants. These challenges extend beyond learning a new language or finding employment; they include navigating a path fraught with discrimination and cultural misunderstandings. Through my lens, I aim to bring these struggles to the forefront, offering a raw, unfiltered look at the realities of immigrant life. The citizenship ceremonies I document are not just an end to a long journey but also the beginning of a new chapter fraught with opportunities and obstacles.

In "Our Journey," I strive to represent the multifaceted experiences of immigrants - their moments of happiness amidst struggles and the discrimination many face. It is a tribute to their bravery, a call to acknowledge their contributions, and an invitation to see America through their eyes. As immigrants, our journeys are marked by the pursuit of a dream that is both personal and universal - a dream of freedom, acceptance, and the chance to build a better life.

Biography

Woburn, Massachusetts (originally from Teófilo Otoni, Minas Gerais, Brazil)

Ingrid Sampaio is a 33-year-old artist who embarked on her journey to the United States in 2011 in search of better opportunities, which led her to establish Ingrid’s Team LLC, a cleaning company that empowers seven women. This venture not only catalyzed her personal growth but also steered her towards a mission-driven path as an artist. Ingrid focuses on capturing the essence of people within their environments through digital photography, predominantly in black and white, striving to cultivate empathy and understanding. Ingrid's portfolio includes the "Project Humanity" series, which presents the human faces of homelessness in Boston, aiming to offer a more personal view of this social issue. Her work has gained recognition and was featured in Tell Magazine in Spring 2023, and she contributed to the Haiti Foundation Newsletter in Fall 2022, capturing moments from the "Building Hope Together" gala event. Currently, Ingrid is working on "Our Journey," a project aiming to bring awareness to the experiences of immigrants and highlight their positive contributions to society. Through her art, she aspires to narrate stories that foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the diverse experiences enriching our world, emphasizing the importance of empathy, connection, and understanding.

Interview

Jordan - When looking at your work I noticed that the images are mainly in black and white, do you think something would be detracted from your images if they were in color?

Ingrid - No, I think the images in color had a different feeling, but they are all part of the same project. At the beginning of my project, I was not yet sure about the choice of color or black and white. I think that’s why we see both color and black and white. I do love to work in black and white, and I think black and white gives more importance to my work, or at least, I want people to look and give more attention to what I am presenting. I feel black and white images carry the request to look closer, and when I see my work after post-production in black and white, I feel content because the feeling I get is the feeling I expect from the viewer. This duality in my work—between color and black and white—mirrors my ongoing journey in finding the most compelling way to convey the essence of what I wish to express through my art.

Jordan - I also noticed that you have a few portraits of people in color, when looking at those images in contrast to the black and white ones, the subjects feel more realized, as they complete their journey, my question is what is the function of those portraits within the overall work? Ingrid- The portrait images are part of the same project, 'Our Journey,' which discusses the journey and life of immigrants in America. The portraits that are in color feature people I interviewed and developed a closer relationship with.These images are designed to establish a direct gaze with the viewer, complemented by the interviews, as a way to convey that there is much more to be seen beyond what is immediately visible. I can say this can be a way to remind viewers of the rich, multifaceted nature of immigrant experiences, encouraging a deeper engagement and empathy with the subjects' stories. Furthermore, why do you think photography is the medium of choice when photographing the naturalization process of becoming an American citizen?

Ingrid - Photography, to me, stands out as the main medium for documenting citizenship ceremonies. It allows me to save these important moments discreetly, respecting the personal space of individuals during such significant times. Alongside photography, I am typing to write about the naturalization process, believing that the combination of visual storytelling and narrative provides a comprehensive platform to address the complex subject of immigration. The interviews, in particular, served as a conduit for amplifying the diverse voices, experiences, and challenges encountered by immigrants. Capturing their portraits alongside their stories was a method of mutual validation, acknowledging and honoring their journey respectfully and connecting all people I photographed by their shared experiences.

Jordan - In many images you have small flags that are held by individuals going through the naturalization process, what does the American flag represent to you?

Ingrid - The American flag consistently features in my photos, serving as a powerful metaphor for dreams, hope, and the quest for belonging. To finally hold that flag and affirm one's place in this country symbolizes a journey that demands time and immense effort. In the citizenship ceremonies, the American flag transcends its material form, representing a pivotal moment of celebration. By incorporating it into my images, I aim to highlight that beyond the simple act of holding a flag lies a deeper narrative—a dream of citizenship and the extensive struggles faced to achieve it.

Jordan - How do you make your pictures, and what is the process of gaining access to these ceremonies and offices where you’ve created images? Ingrid-I had to conduct some research and send emails to ask for permission as well. The ceremonies are usually open to family members, so it's relatively easy to gain access. However, photographing the new citizens directly is a bit more complicated and requires permission. I was fortunate to be able to photograph those ceremonies, but it required me to explain my project and my intentions with it. I always approach people with respect and explain where I want my project to go.

Ingrid - I had to conduct some research and send emails to ask for permission as well. The ceremonies are usually open to family members, so it's relatively easy to gain access. However, photographing the new citizens directly is a bit more complicated and requires permission. I was fortunate to be able to photograph those ceremonies, but it required me to explain my project and my intentions with it. I always approach people with respect and explain where I want my project to go.

Jordan - You depict the finish of a long journey towards American citizenship a lot through your work, do you have plans to create images based on the struggles and other issues that might come in the way of naturalization?

Ingrid - Yes! My intentions with this project is to reveal more than what's commonly seen today. Beyond capturing the joyous moments of citizenship ceremonies, I look to narrate stories of struggle, which I often do through writing about the challenges faced by people. Taking photos that depict struggle is very challenging because it involves engaging with people and their lives, which must be treated with the utmost respect. I've photographed the border in Yuma, Arizona; Tijuana, Mexico; San Ysidro and Los Algodones in Mexico; and captured images on the highways and in the desert of Jacumba Hot Springs. These photos document the harsh realities of illegal crossings and asylum seekers. I believe the images I've taken begin to uncover the struggles faced by immigrants coming to the United States. Jordan-In the news there seems to be a pessimistic view of immigration and the process, many people believing that it is easy. Your images on the other hand are the polar opposite, looking at immigration in a hopeful and positive light, how do you give individuals dignity through your image-making process?

Ingrid- Yes, capturing moments of happiness is challenging, especially knowing the difficult journeys many of the individuals I photograph have endured to reach this point. The process of obtaining citizenship varies widely, but the ceremonies symbolize a culmination of a journey fraught with struggles and hard work for many. When I photograph these individuals, my goal is to showcase their achievement and perseverance through all the challenges they've faced. It's about honoring their resilience and the dignity with which they present themselves. My wish is to capture this significant phase in immigrants' lives, highlighting their triumphant transition despite the hardships encountered along the way.

Jordan - When looking at your images I also think about what is ahead, and what is the next step after naturalization. you have many portraits of people becoming citizens, what are you curious about when individuals need to assimilate into a new culture?

Ingrid - Obtaining citizenship marks a significant milestone of freedom for those I photograph and myself. It opens a doorway to a new beginning, enabling individuals to visit their homeland without fear of deportation, and solidifying their sense of belonging in the United States. Many have spent their entire lives here, establishing families, homes, and businesses, truly making it their home. With citizenship, there's a newfound liberty to continue building on what they've already achieved. This process involves a careful balance of integration, as individuals learn and adapt to new customs while sharing their own, fostering mutual understanding. Ultimately, it's not just about how they see themselves but about being recognized and accepted by their new community.

Jordan - What's next for you and your work?

Ingrid - I believe my project "Our Journey" requires further development, so I plan to dedicate more time to it. Currently, my primary focus is to capture the borderlands between Mexico and the United States, with a specific focus on images that depict the challenges faced by those crossing into the United States illegally.