THE AMERICAN LIBRARY
Whenever I perform, whether a private event, theatrical run, or an immersive experience, I make new friends with audience members who attend the performance. It usually starts with an intriguing invitation or a gift they purposefully crafted for me. These acts of love are incredibly sweet and generous, and out of many, I have quite a fascinating collection of objects and memories I would not possess. This time, among other generous offers, I was invited to see an exhibition related to immigration at the Skirball Cultural Center, entitled The American Library, by the artist Yinka Shonibare.
It’s a poignant comment on the importance of immigration in the United States of America. I would only leave a photo here and not say too much about it. There are so many details and layers to create depth in this simple and complex image. It is in exhibition until September 1st and, if you can see it, I would strongly recommend doing one of the guided tours. I like how art pieces like these can act as inspiration and food for thought. I came out of it thinking that these ideas of identity and who we believe others are is a much more fabricated concept than a reality. This perception is about what we believe the world around us used to be and what that world really is. This illusion we create is often the blind spot we have to understand others.
While seeing this exhibition, something strange happened. As you can see in the image, some books have the names of immigrants who affected American culture somehow. I was asked about a Portuguese name that would be on the list; my answer was Carmen Miranda. They confirmed it was in one of the book spines. Since the names have no particular order, finding them is not an easy task nor something you can set yourself out to do without spending hours in the exhibition. They say the name finds you, not the other way around. And sure enough, less than ten minutes later, I looked at a bottom shelf, and the name Carmen Miranda popped right into my eyes. Coincidence, or was it meant to be?