I first met G. Mesa in a music studio in the Bronx. We quickly became friendly because of our mutual interest in music. Bronx, NYC. January 2015.
G. confided in me that he was undocumented one day while we were taking a walk. Because of his immigration status, he lives a life of constant uncertainty. Bronx, NYC. January 2015.
Like other young men growing up in New York City, G. was a teen parent. When he is not working, he spends his days with his son. Bronx, NYC. January 2015.
G. Mesa has a hard time securing regular employment without proper documentation. He usually finds work for several days and weeks at a time, usually for low wages and long hours.
Bronx, NYC. February 2015.
G. Mesa's story begins in the Dominican Republic where he was born almost 30 years ago. In this image, G. shows me a picture of the day he left the island for the first and last time. He has never been back to the Dominican Republic, and his biggest fear is that if he ever gets deported that he would be lost in a country that he knows little about. Bronx, NYC. February 2015.
G. Mesa is constantly on the phone. Since he is always on the go, G. relies on his phone to keep him informed and in communication with his family and friends. Bronx, NYC. May 2015.
Portrait of G. at the local barber shop as he grooms. The "San Miguel 7 Espadas" card that hovers above his reflection represents San Miguel, who for believers, is known as the protector of evil.
Bronx, NYC. December 2014.
Portrait of G. Mesa off the window in a small town in Pennsylvania where his eldest son lives. Pennsylvania. June 26, 2015.
Portrait of G. after a workout.
Bronx, NYC. June 2015.
Portrait of G. looking through window during a recent trip to see his family.
Pennsylvania. November 2015.
G. mainly walks from location to location. Without a concrete place to live and work, G. is free to travel at all hours.
Bronx, NYC. January 2015.
G. enjoys some pizza with a family member.
Bronx. NYC. June 2015.
G. lives with different people throughout the week and relies on the support of a tight network of family and friends to survive.
Bronx, NYC. October 2014.
Portrait of G. near one of his homes.
Bronx, NYC. March 2015.
Portrait of G. holding the door open.
Bronx, NYC. November 2014.
G. works out often. He says it helps him keep his body and mind sharp, especially during the days he does not get work.
Bronx, NYC. January 2015.
Portrait of G. Mesa on the phone.
Bronx, NYC. October 2014.
Portrait of G. while he was cleaning a wooden table.
Bronx, NYC. May 2015.
G. has had some run-ins with police in the past that have gotten physical. Here he is recounting how he was beat by some police officers after being stopped for no reason. Bronx, NYC. November 2016.
G. Mesa is often alone throughout the day. He has confided that he feels depressed.
Bronx, NYC. October 2015.
G. reciting some rhymes he had recently written. The title of this project, 'Bout that Life, was taken from the title of one of his songs. Click here to listen G.'s music.
Bronx, NYC. April 2016.
Like many people in his position, G.'s future is uncertain. Although he was raised in this county, he will always be an outsider looking in.
Bronx, NYC. November 2014.