Humans on the Move

Lana Suomala at The Spirit Room

By Kristine Kostuck
Staff Writer

This year the Obama administration attempted to enhance security along the border of the United States and Mexico by requesting $600 million in emergency funds for immigration purposes.  President Obama explained his request in letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, “The amendments would support efforts to secure the Southwest border and enhance federal border protection, law enforcement and counter-narcotic activities.” With this statement he followed through by hiring border patrol, FBI and drug enforcement agents and prosecutors.

Lana Suomala, a Moorhead artist, addresses this topic in her work with an empathetic approach, which is now showing at the Spirit Room.” 
After being inspired by the Postville Loteria Iowa Immigration Raid in 2008, a raid that resulted in 400 immigrant worker arrests in a meat packing plant, she began creating artwork that described the rights we should recognize as humans, not as Americans.

“I’m an advocate for immigration reform for the humane treatment of all people especially the poorest in the world,” she said. “I believe that we must see beyond borders and realize that our destinies are entwined in many ways.”

All artwork in the show is inspired by those migrating to escape violence or natural disasters. In other cases, refugees may be fleeing from authoritarian regimes or economic tragedy in their homeland.

Suomala’s artwork is picturesque, but distinctive in comparison with other art. For example, Displayed at the Spirit Room are 36 images individually hand-sewn on felt. They represent those who lost their jobs after the Iowa raid. The design comes together as a Mexican bingo game.

Other pieces consist of mobiles made from newspaper, belts, wire and other found objects. Each illustrates the out-of-control reasons people move: war, human trafficking, lack of resources in their environment, poverty and ideology.

“I hope to humanize those migrating,” she said. “The people who leave under these horrible, yet common circumstances are in search of hope. I want to show that many of these factors could affect any one of us in any part of the world.”

Despite that intention, Suomala says that this is “not a political agenda.” It is a chance for people to have a better understanding of immigrants. “I hope people can recognize and respect the humanity in others,” she said. “As a nation we have to acknowledge this issue and take responsibility for our decisions.”

The show runs Oct. 5 until Nov. 19 and on October 30, Darci Asche from the LSS New Americans Program will be explaining forced migration. Following him will be a presentation from immigrants to the Midwest.

On Sat., Nov. 6 at 4 p.m. Barry Nelson will speak about his involvement in Cass 23, the Indian subcontinent workers exploited as slaves in the US. The 23 Indian workers were on their way to the U.S. to work as pipefitters when they were put into slavery. Eventually through church programs they ended up in Fargo.

And finally, on Nov. 13 Dr. Andrew Conteh, a MSUM professor, will talk about involuntary international migration and a way to end human trafficking.

All speakers want to remind area residents that these issues affect us even though we are so far from the southern border. For example, Cooperstown N.D. was the topic of a “USA Today” article. After the town slowly dwindled in population, the community attempted to bring in new businesses but rejected the idea after fear of the job openings bringing in Hispanic immigrants.  (http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2007-11-25-Immigration_N.htm)

Despite the complications America faces, including the debate about Obama’s border policy and even the one developed in North Dakota, sociologists would argue that these problems are small pieces of the social phenomenon of migration.

“We share this planet” -Lana Suomala

Questions and comments: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

If You Go

What: Lana Suomala: Humans on the Move
Where: The Spirit Room
When: Oct 5 - Nov 19
Info: 701.237.0230