Family Portraits of Migrant Families

Hispanic culture has long been defined by its strong sense of family. In our communities, individual aspirations often take a backseat to the needs of the collective, shaping our identities in profound ways. Growing up in a family where these bonds were central, I have come to understand the delicate tension between personal dreams and familial responsibilities.

For this project, I use 30mm film to capture the essence of migrant family life, highlighting both the warmth and resilience within these units. Each portrait is a window into the unique challenges immigrant families face—the sacrifices, the triumphs, and the unbreakable bonds that hold them together. The black-and-white photographs emphasize the timeless nature of these experiences, while the accompanying video deepens the narrative, offering a more intimate look into their stories.

By combining both traditional and modern mediums, my work seeks to honor the strength of these families, inviting viewers to reflect on their own familial connections. It is a meditation on identity, belonging, and the enduring impact of migration. Through these images, I aim to forge a bridge between the past and present, reminding us all of the shared human experience of forging bonds, finding home, and navigating the complexities of family life.

— Gerardo Mencia, College of Staten Island, Portraits of Migrant Families