In 1987 I was invited to be part of a group of photographers working on Ellis Island during its reconstruction. I was able to go there quite often, taking the Coast Guard ferry to and fro, for two years. Â I made pictures on the two islands that were not being reconstructed and were/are off-limits to the public.
At that same time, Â IÂ was working part time at the Museum of the City Of New York, as the Photo Archvist. I was looking at original photographs from the turn of the last century, some by Lewis Hine and Jacob Riis. In retrospect, I think these photographs are an homage to them.
Although there were other artists working on the island, I always felt alone, and always felt sad.
It was as though the fear, confusion, depression, and disorientation of the original immigrants detained there still remained in the rooms..
