PASO DEL NORTE
2021 - ONGOING
Since 2021, the artist has been documenting live-streaming cameras at the Paso del Norte International Bridge, which links Juárez, México, to El Paso, USA. His observations reveal a troubling reality: while some enter El Paso legally, many are escorted out by CBP agents, creating a tense atmosphere.
On March 12, 2023, numerous migrants attempted to cross the bridge forcefully, underscoring their desperation. Just weeks later, a tragic fire at a detention center in Mexico resulted in the deaths of 40 migrants, highlighting the human cost of immigration policies. These bodies were covered with space blankets.
The archive critically examines migration narratives and policies globally, incorporating diverse materials contributing to an ironic dialogue about migration. The project takes on added urgency amid increasingly strict U.S. immigration policies, including former President Trump’s suggestion to invoke the Alien Enemies Act of 1798.
Additionally, the artist documents his border crossings with items like fast food uniforms and piñatas made from space blankets, prompting discussions about migration dynamics. Notably, he discovered that the cameras are linked to the El Paso Zoo's surveillance network, encouraging reflection on the nature of surveillance in both contexts.
Ultimately, this project aims to engage with the complexities of migration, public policy, and the experiences of those crossing the border, fostering a more nuanced understanding of these critical issues.
Currently, the artists iams to create a meaningful artistic response to the tragic fire at the migration center. His goal is to use the act of creating 40 handmade mylar blankets to honor the victims and bring attention to the dehumanizing conditions that led to this tragedy. The blankets, typically used for warmth and protection, represent care, love, and the basic human right to safety.
By hand-weaving 40 unique blankets with distinct patterns, I intend to emphasize that each individual who perished is more than just a statistic—they were unique lives with their own stories. The process of weaving by hand further reinforces the idea of human connection and the personal effort required to create something that symbolizes protection and care, something that was tragically lacking for the migrants in this case.
This project seeks to impact the community by sparking conversation and reflection about the treatment of migrants, the failure of institutions to protect them, and the urgent need for social change. It is not just an artistic statement, but an act of remembrance and resistance, using art to humanize the victims and bring their stories to the forefront. He hopes to engage the local community in Ciudad Juárez, as well as a broader audience, in thinking critically about how we can prevent such tragedies in the future and provide meaningful support and protection to migrants in need.
