IT'S OK (united)

Artist José Carlos Teixeira (Porto, Portugal, born 1977)

Date2004-5

MediumDVD installation

ClassificationsTime-Based Media

AcquisitionPurchased in 2006 with assistance from the National Collecting Scheme for Scotland.

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG014381

About MePortuguese artist José Carlos Teixeira created this work whilst studying at the Interdisciplinary Studio at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). His work is cross-disciplinary by nature, and mostly focused on video, installation, and performance.

Originally an integral part of a performance, this piece is the result of a collaboration with five hispanic-American children. Acting as their cameraman, conductor and teacher, Teixeira engages directly with the children. He has set them his own words to the tune of the American national anthem and through their faltering performance he addresses the immigrant's uncertainty, doubt and fear of failure. He sets these themes, somewhat ironically, against the ideals and assumptions of an immigrant: success, safety, stability and power. Thus in this work Teixeira tackles the subjects of immigration, integration and the frustration of many in the failure of democratic ideals.

For more information on how this work was acquired see http://www.ncsscotland.org.uk/collections

More About Me

Collections Wall

The Portuguese Teixeira collaborated with 5 Hispano-American children in Los Angeles to make this video and installation highlighting the uncertainties, doubts and fears of failure of immigrants