Balancing Act: How Immigrants in New York Cling to Their Culture

A photo essay by Leandro Viana investigates how Bolivian immigrants in New York express themselves through traditional masks, dance and clothing.

Every day, countless people leave their homes to migrate to New York. In a new country, they often struggle to understand and adapt to the new and strain to keep alive the old—their culture, their manners, their costumes. My work investigates Bolivian immigrants in the city and the various ways they express themselves through traditional masks, dance and clothing.

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Portratis of Bolivian immigrants taken in NYC during celebrations. PHOTO: Leandro Viana

 

Portratis of Bolivian immigrants taken in NYC during celebrations. PHOTO: Leandro Viana

 

Portratis of Bolivian immigrants taken in NYC during celebrations. PHOTO: Leandro Viana

 

Portratis of Bolivian immigrants taken in NYC during celebrations. PHOTO: Leandro Viana

 

Portratis of Bolivian immigrants taken in NYC during celebrations. PHOTO: Leandro Viana

 

Portratis of Bolivian immigrants taken in NYC during celebrations. PHOTO: Leandro Viana

 

Portratis of Bolivian immigrants taken in NYC during celebrations. PHOTO: Leandro Viana
Originally from São Paulo, Brazil, Leandro Viana is a photographer now based in New York City. 

Balancing Act: How Immigrants in New York Cling to Their Culture