Shelter/Refugio Exhibition
Jun 2 – Aug 13, 2017
The history of the United States has been one of migration, of refuge and shelter. To commemorate this, in 1885, famed author Emma Lazarus dedicated her poem “The New Colossus” to the Statue of Liberty raised on Ellis Island that same year: a towering emblem of freedom and welcoming for immigrants hailing from Europe.
This contrasts with now-president Trump’s speech at the beginning of his presidential campaign in 2015 where he famously stated, “When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best… They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people.” While not new, since, tensions between and within communities throughout the country have run high and everywhere what appeared to be a fundamental American value, has been tested and questioned.
With increasing anti-immigrant rhetoric, rising housing costs, gentrification, and homelessness affecting communities throughout the country, Americans are being forced to examine and reassess their ideas of place, home, belonging, and community. The following 6 artists allow us a glimpse into their own perspectives.
Artists: Sergio De La Torre • Elena Guzman • Nery Gabriel Lemus • Monica Martinez • Adriana Monsalve • Chris Treggiari
Click here for Curatorial Statement
