STOCKTON, Calif. — An art exhibit that hopes to paint the picture of the humanitarian crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border is now open to the public at San Joaquin Delta College.
“Latinx: Art Beyond the Border,” the latest exhibit at the L.H. Horton Jr. Gallery on the Delta College campus, presents works of art related to the issues at the border, the plight of asylum seekers, the unfortunate situation of Central American migrants, and the threat to the lives of Latinx Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals [DACA] recipients.
“It is important to be aware not only of trends in the arts, but also of what’s happening in our community, our state, our country, and globally,” Jan Marlese, Jan Horton Gallery director, said.
The work selected for the exhibition covers a wide range of topics within the theme of U.S. immigration policy and its impact on Latinx communities. One of the many works at the exhibit is Luz Lua’s painting, “A Better Life,” which reflects on the treatment of migrant children, separated from their families and held in detention at the U.S.-Mexico border.
The painting is of a family traveling together to a new foreign country, a new culture, different language to improve their life. For Lua, art makes it easier for people to talk about the tough topics related to U.S. immigration policy.
“It has to be done because sometimes there’s no better way, it’s the best way for someone to feel connected,” Lua said.
With the new interactive artwork, Marlese hopes Delta College and the Stockton community develops an understanding of the many diverse cultures that the college serves in order to present art shows that are reflective of the community.
An opening reception is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday Oct. 17, at the college, 5151 Pacific Ave. The exhibit runs through Thursday, Nov. 7. Admission to the gallery is free and open to the public.
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