Conversation with Heidrun Holzfeind, New York, 2003

In this conversation, Holzfeind shares her interest in the dynamics of social class and the immigrant experience in New York, drawing on her own perspectives as a native of Austria who has lived and worked in the city for the past seven years: “What I like a lot about the city is that all these people come here to kind of freeze their history; you kind of start building your own personality again. And so, I started working with video a lot, and it was all about people.” Holzfeind reflects on her status as an immigrant, addressing the challenges of illegal residency. In a video work, she engages with her coworker at a restaurant, a young Mexican-American: “I was very impressed by his indoctrination by this American dream.” This personal narrative underscores the broader theme of immigration and the harsh realities faced by those pursuing better lives in the U.S., highlighting the stark contrasts between wealthy and working-class immigrants.

This context led Holzfeind to establish the project, Alien, bringing together works by various artists and filmmakers dealing with migration and borders. She emphasizes the importance of presenting these works in ways that foster community interaction and dialogue. She describes previous exhibitions where she set up video libraries, allowing viewers to select and watch tapes, and organized screenings in public spaces to reach a wider audience.

Holzfeind also touches on the broader art scene in New York, contrasting it with her experiences in Europe. In New York, the art world is highly commercialized and individualistic, which can hinder collaborative and socially engaged practices. In contrast, European artists often organize independent initiatives. She concludes the conversation by reflecting on the challenges and potentials of integrating art into communities, particularly immigrant neighborhoods. She stresses the need for genuine engagement and dialogue to avoid imposing external ideas.