Border Crossings: Immigration in Contemporary Prints and Paul Valadez: Siempre Latino were exhibits at La Salle University Art Museum on view March 16 through June 9, 2016.

The news release for the exhibit:

 

PHILADELPHIA (February 29, 2016) - La Salle University Art Museum is pleased to present the

exhibitions Border Crossings: Immigration in Contemporary Prints and Paul Valadez: Siempre Latino,

on view March 16 through June 9, 2016. Opening reception, Wednesday, March 16, 5-7 p.m. Artist's

talk by Paul Valadez at 4 p.m. immediately preceding the reception.

Border Crossings: Immigration in Contemporary Prints

This exhibition features 23 contemporary prints which explore the subject of border crossings,

immigration and human migration, with a focus on the U.S.-Mexico border and migration to the U.S. The

exhibition includes work by local, national and international artists in a range of print media, including

lithographs, screen prints, and linoleum block prints. Important themes highlighted include

immigration/migration, border crossings, and borderlands; cultural convergences and the complexities

of contemporary American identities; and art as a tool for political solidarity and activism.

The exhibition will be accompanied by public programs for audiences of all ages (listed below), and will

be supported by an edited volume by the same title to be published sometime in the spring. The book

will feature a catalogue of the prints on display, with images and label texts by the artists, as well as 15

short essays by La Salle University faculty, staff, and friends, with the goal of providing a platform for

expanded conversations about borders, immigration, and global migration. A preview of the catalogue

provides some background about the exhibition.

In the "Curatorial Introduction," exhibition curator Dr. Klare Scarborough explains that, "While the

exhibition is thematically cohesive, the artworks on display present a variety of subjects and viewpoints,

some personal, others very political. Some of the prints focus on actual border crossings. Others address

cultural fusions and identities, with subject matter rooted in Latino or Chicano experience. Still others

are based in public art initiatives, such as murals and posters, and participate in social and political

activism. Some prints make strong statements about migration being a human right, reminding us that

humans have a long history of migration prior to the enforcement of modern national borders controls.

Other prints express solidarity with autonomous communities along the U.S.-Mexico border, and with

the right to self-governance in other parts of the world. Finally, some prints are associated with public

advocacy campaigns in support of immigrant and human rights." (Excerpted from the "Curatorial

Introduction" of the Border Crossings catalogue)

In the "Foreword," Dr. Scarborough also notes that the exhibition was planned in response to the

widespread interest in immigration and social justice issues. She notes, "Immigration is a subject of

great contemporary interest. From debates about illegal immigrants in the United States (U.S.), to news

coverage of the Syrian refugee crisis, many people today are having conversations about immigration

and about human migration in general. The topic has recently become more politicized, particularly in

discussions of international terrorism and national security, and governmental policies regarding the

treatment of migrants and refugees. Here at La Salle University, where the Christian Brothers' concern

for social justice permeates many aspects of the educational environment, the subject of immigration is

of great interest to many of the faculty, staff, and students, as it touches upon respect for the dignity

and human rights of all individuals. Various professors have lectured and published on the topic; and

some have organized special topic panel discussions, engaging students and the public alike in analyzing

recent events and contemporary issues. In response to this interest, La Salle University Art Museum's

exhibition of Border Crossings: Immigration in Contemporary Prints presents contemporary artworks

that explore various aspects of the subject, with the goal of further engaging the La Salle University

community as well as our larger public audiences, including significant numbers of preK-12 school

groups, in contemporary discussions taking place about immigration. (Excerpted from the "Foreword" of

the Border Crossings catalogue).

In the "Preface," La Salle University President Dr. Colleen Hanync states, "In the spirit of St. Baptist de La

Salle, we hope that this exhibition and this publication will encourage public educational discussion

about border crossings and immigration, promote intercultural understanding, and further goals

towards social justice for all humankind. La Salle University's mission states that 'All members of our

community are called to maintain a heightened sensitivity to those marginalized within society as they

practice civic engagement, provide leadership with a global perspective, and contribute to the common

good.' As our Catholic faith calls us to love and welcome our neighbors, and to serve the common good,

we are reminded of those less fortunate, equal in human rights and dignity, who have struggled to

achieve a safe and better life, and those who are still struggling today." (Excerpted from the "Preface" of

the Border Crossings catalogue).

Paul Valadez: Siempre Latino

 

A small complementary exhibition features 15 artworks by Texas-based artist Paul Valadez in various

media, including acrylic paintings on wood and paper, woodblock prints, chine collé, and collage. Titles

include Cuarteron de mulata, Flying Saucer, Mexicans on the Moon, and the Style 111: Hairstyle Series,

to name a few. The exhibition displays the range of artist's interests and creative expression.

Paul Valadez was born in San Francisco and was raised in the Central Valley of California. He earned a

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interdisciplinary Art at the San Francisco Art Institute, and a Master of Fine Arts

in Studio Art from the University of North Carolina where, in 2003, he was awarded the Weiss Urban

Livability Fellowship. Valadez uses metal, acrylics, text, and mixed media to create a concept of "old

signage," with subtle hints of race, culture and history. His current work is autobiographical with semi-

satirical social commentary inspired by his childhood memories of growing up in a bi-cultural household.

Valadez is a full-time lecturer in the Art Department at the University of Texas-Pan American in

Edinburg, Texas. Additional information and image may be found on the artist's website,

http://www.paris1920.com/.

Public Programs

In conjunction with these exhibitions, La Salle University Art Museum is presenting the following public

programs:

Wednesday, March 16, 4-5 pm, Artist's Talk by Paul Valadez

Wednesday, March 16, 5-7 pm, Opening Reception

Tuesday, April 5, 12:30 pm, Panel Discussion: "Border Crossings in the Borderlands," with Dr. Lisa

Jarvinen, La Salle University Associate Professor of History; Dr. Mey-Yen Moriuchi, La Salle

University Assistant Professor of Art History; and Dr. Miguel Glatzer, La Salle University Associate

Professor of Political Science.

Thursday, April 21, 12:30 pm, Panel Discussion: "Border Crossings in Philadelphia," with Dr. Sara

Shuman, La Salle University Assistant Professor of Public Health; Tara Carr-Lemke, La Salle

University Director of The Explorer Connection and Service-Learning; and a representative from the

local immigrant community.

La Salle University Art Museum has a robust education program that serves over 2,000 La Salle students

and over 5,000 preK-12 students annually. This exhibition provides a unique opportunity for museum

visitors of all ages to engage with the multi-faceted and timely issues surrounding immigration and

human migration today. All educational lessons are free for groups but require advance scheduling. For

more information contact Miranda Clark-Binder, Curator of Education and Public Programs,

clarkbinder@lasalle.edu.

Supporters of the exhibitions and related programs include the Philadelphia Cultural Fund; the

Pennsylvania Council on the Arts; the Brother Daniel Burke Endowment Fund; La Salle University Art

Museum's Art Angels; La Salle University's Office of the President, Office of Mission Integration, and

Office of the University Provost. Other supporters include the La Salle University Departments of Fine

Arts; Foreign Languages; History (including the American Studies and Latin American Studies programs);

Philosophy; Political Science; Religion; Social Work; Sociology and Criminal Justice; Public Health; the

Diplomat-in-Residence Program; the Multicultural and International Center; the Greater Philadelphia

Initiative; the Explorer Connection; and the Concert and Lecture Series.

These exhibitions and educational programs are also supported and enhanced through innovative

partnerships with Taller Puertorriqueño, National Museum of American Jewish History, the Mexican

Cultural Center and the Mexican Consulate in Philadelphia.

The La Salle University Art Museum is located on the lower level of Olney Hall on the campus of La Salle

University at 19th Street and Olney Avenue. Spring schedule is Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.to 4 p.m.

Call or check the website for hours. Admission is free, though donations are accepted. Please call to

schedule group visits. Special tours can be arranged. For further information call 215.951.1221 or visit

the website at http://www.lasalle.edu/museum/. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

 

 

To view the Border Crossings Foreward please click here and to view the Curatorial Introduction please click here.

Note: the Foreward and Curatorial Introduction are posted with permission of Klare Scarborough, Ph.D., Director and Chief Curator, La Salle University Art Museum, 1900 West Olney Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19141-1199. Her permission was granted to TFAO August 2, 2016.

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