The Borderline Cases Project focused on extensive research and conversations regarding immigration, more specifically unaccompanied minors from Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala. By answering the essential questions bellow we created art pieces.
- Why do people immigrate to other countries?
- What are the difficulties of immigrating to another country?
- How is acculturation different from assimilation?
- What things are necessary to succeed in the United States?
- Is there an American dream? Can it be for everyone?
Title: Paletero
My art does not directly address any of the prompting questions, rather indirectly covers all of them, the purpose of the piece is to embody the reality that I have seen as Latino and Latina immigrants face in the United States. A paletero walks in front of a mural, with the words “UNDOCUMENTED UNAFRAID” spray painted over local art showing the hardships and the beauty in working to survive. I believe it is important to recognize that being an immigrant or striving for success in this country cannot be idolized. The hardest labor and most socially dehumanizing jobs are performed by immigrants. Nonetheless being prideful of my people and continuing to be unapologetic about one's immigration status is something that must carry on, and I hope my art captures that.
My art does not directly address any of the prompting questions, rather indirectly covers all of them, the purpose of the piece is to embody the reality that I have seen as Latino and Latina immigrants face in the United States. A paletero walks in front of a mural, with the words “UNDOCUMENTED UNAFRAID” spray painted over local art showing the hardships and the beauty in working to survive. I believe it is important to recognize that being an immigrant or striving for success in this country cannot be idolized. The hardest labor and most socially dehumanizing jobs are performed by immigrants. Nonetheless being prideful of my people and continuing to be unapologetic about one's immigration status is something that must carry on, and I hope my art captures that.