October 1–November 30 | Water and Fulton Streets | Free
This Fall, the South Street Seaport Museum will host an outdoor photographic exhibition featuring six American individuals of Norwegian descent who share their personal interpretation of their own ethnic origins.
In 2019, Norwegian photographer Inger-Maren Slagsvold (b. 1978) and visual artist Lucia Aragón (b. 1988) visited Minnesota, Iowa, and Washington State to interview and photograph 40 descendants of Norwegian immigrants. The interviews took place in the participants’ own homes, where they were asked to choose a single object that they felt represented their ethnic identity. After photographing both the participants and their chosen objects, Aragón and Slagsvold spoke with the individuals about their personal connection to the object and their interpretation of their ethnic origins. The resulting photographs and excerpts from these interviews form the exhibition Signs of Origin, which was first exhibited in 2020 at the Anno Museum — Norwegian Emigrant Museum.
Beginning this October, your visit to the Seaport will include exploring a portion of the original exhibition reproduced for outdoor exhibition along the historic streets of the Seaport. As you stroll down Water Street and Fulton Street, you’ll experience six of the interviews selected for an outdoor photographic exhibition. Each display pairs a portrait of the Norwegian descendant printed alongside an image of their selected object displayed together with explanatory quotes from the interview in both English and Norwegian.
This limited-time outdoor exhibition is free and open to all—no registration required. Beginning in October, you’re invited to stroll through the historic streets of the Seaport and explore the displays at your own pace. While you’re here, step inside the Seaport Museum to experience the Maritime City exhibition, climb aboard historic ships, and discover everything admission to the Museum has to offer.
The Photography
More About the Exhibition
Ethnic identity is generally viewed as a subjective notion. It is based on a sense of common origin, common beliefs, a common language, or other characteristics that set a group of people apart from other similar groups. Yet ethnic identity is much more than merely a “feeling” or a sense of social unity.
Identity is not only a mental category. Ethnic identity is also manifested through objects and artifacts that exist in the physical world. These artifacts anchor the actual physical world to mental constructs such as a “feeling of common identity.” Some artifacts can be large, church buildings for example, others small, such as buttons and pins. A common characteristic of all artifacts is that they are tangible expressions of human ideas, and as such, have symbolic value to those who acquire and possess them.
Signs of Origins has been planned in conjunction with the 2025 jubilee commemorating the bicentennial of the first organized emigration from Norway to America. In 1825, the Restauration sailed from Stavanger to New York with 52 Norwegian emigrants on board.
Emigration and immigration still take place. Whereas Norwegians previously emigrated to America and elsewhere in search of a better life, others now immigrate to Norway to find freedom, security, and new opportunities.
About the Artists
Inger-Maren Slagsvold was born in Norway in 1978. She graduated from the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen. She lives in Stange municipality and works as a mediator at the Norwegian Emigrant Museum. She was project manager and photographer for Signs of Origin.
Lucia Cristerna Aragon was born in Culiacán, Mexico, in 1988. She graduated from the Oslo National Academy of the Arts and works with print, drawing, murals, and video production. In Signs of Origin she assisted Slagsvold during photography and was responsible for audio.
About Photoville
Photoville is a New York-based non-profit organization that works to promote a wider understanding and increased access to the art of photography for all. To fulfill its mission, Photoville produces an annual, citywide open-air photography festival in New York City, along with a wide range of free educational initiatives and a nationwide program of public art exhibitions. By transforming public spaces, amplifying diverse visual storytellers, and creating innovative exhibition and programming environments, Photoville works to nurture new perspectives and broaden representation through photography.
Acknowledgements
Signs of Origins is organized by the South Street Seaport Museum, with the Anno Museum — Norwegian Emigrant Museum.
Design and Production: Photoville
Special thanks to the Norwegian Consulate General in New York and the CROSSING 200, 1825-2025 Migration in 200 years.
South Street Seaport Museum
By subway: Take the A, C, 2, 3, J, Z, 4, or 5 train to Fulton Street.
By bus: Take the M-15 SBS or M-15 to Fulton Street.
By water: The NYC Ferry, and New York Waterway provide service to Pier 11. The Staten Island Ferry provides services to Whitehall Terminal.
Parking: Parking lots can be found at Front and John Streets, as well as 294 Pearl Street.