That We Should Be Heirs

That We Should Be Heirs, 2021 Sponsored by Gallery 51, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts as part of Hostile Terrain Location: 6 Cheshire Road, Pittsfield, MA

To help spread the word about our show, Hostile Terrain, Gallery 51 presented my work on a billboard overlooking the glorious snow-blanketed streets of Pittsfield, MA.

It has been a privilege to work so closely with artists, educators, and researchers whose works I deeply admire, and whose projects align so closely with my current work that is grounded in the migration story. Our show highlights projects that include Hostile Terrain 94, a project directed by anthropologist Jason De León, and Sanctuary City Project, a project created by artists Sergio De La Torre and Chris Treggiari. It focuses on the current immigration crisis, the wounds that have been afflicted upon families by unjust practices of law, the lives that have been damaged and destroyed by the abuses of power, and the hope through which we continue making art in healing and empathy for and with the People.

As part of Hostile Terrain’s programming, MCLA will also host a series virtual lectures, workshops, conversations, and studio visits with me to engage our students, faculty, and community members. These opportunities made space for intimate discussions about concept development, inspiration, excavating histories, and how projects and stories can inform each other.

It is my honor to be a part of this exhibition and address these critical issues with the community. Thank you, Erica, for the invitation.

Thank you, Erica, for the invitation, and for your dedication in developing this very meaningful show as we reflect on the ones who long to call America home.