From March 2 to April. 8, The University of Texas at El Paso\u2019s (UTEP) Union Gallery opened its newest exhibit, \u201cThe Bridge,\u201d showcasing a vibrant collection of photographs, paintings and mixed media works from both student and professional artists. Coming together to celebrate the shared culture, identity and community of life in the El Paso-Ciudad Ju\u00e1rez borderland.<\/p>\n
Curated by UTEP student Katy Ruiz, \u201cThe Bridge,\u201d takes its name from the literal international bridge and metaphorical cultural bridge connecting the two \u201csister cities,\u201d one shaped by the people who cross back and forth everyday.<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe it really showcases that both sides are not so different. We have a lot of shared values, even though we might be separated by the border,\u201d Ruiz said. \u201cIn some ways, we\u2019re the sister cities, but in other ways, it feels like we\u2019re one city.\u201d<\/p>\n
Expanding from one of her previous gallery projects, Ruiz explained that she hand-picked pieces from students and professional artists. Specifically, those who regularly crossed the border in order to highlight the shared history and community of both cities.<\/p>\n
One featured artist, Ganna Lukashevska, brought with her paintings is a deeply personal perspective to the exhibit. Fleeing Ukraine with her family, Lukashevska would experience the realities of the U.S.-Mexico border.<\/p>\n
After being detained and separated from her husband while pregnant after arriving in the U.S. One painting entitled, \u201cSilent Witness Wall,\u201d directly reflected those struggles and crossing the border.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI remember this feeling like they [will] separate us [from] my husband. And I remember\u00a0this,\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0not all just my situation. It was other people who were\u00a0being separated,\u201d\u00a0Lukashevska\u00a0said. \u201cThe wife can pass the husband, not. We understand its system,\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0law. And when you feel this, you cannot pass like, because\u00a0that\u2019s\u00a0what I want to share. This idea.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Her work uses imagery of the wall,\u00a0borders\u00a0and migration to capture the emotion and a more positive and fantastical hope for the \u201cAmerican Dream.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cMore positive, of course, I want to see\u00a0a positive.\u00a0Also\u00a0some kind of fantasy, imagination, how it\u2019s going to be another way. I try to use a different technique to explain the\u00a0feeling. And I wanted [them to enjoy the\u00a0art],\u201d\u00a0Lukashevska\u00a0said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
For student artists, the exhibit offered the opportunity to connect personal memories with their own experiences crossing the border regularly. One student muralist, Paulina Urquidi, chose to depict moments from her childhood, including herself and her two siblings crossing the international bridge every day on their way to school.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Urquidi\u2019s work, \u201cYa\u00a0voy\u00a0pa\u00a0Juaritos!\u201d\u00a0featured rich symbolism and references to the El Paso character \u201cEl Amigo Man,\u201d in the sun and bridge, as well as \u201cThe X\u201d sculpture in Juarez.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI work with a friend, and we paint murals. I wanted to show that, because I always cross the bridge to what I want to paint,\u201d Urquidi said. \u201cThese three [figures] are crossing the bridge, because me and my siblings when I was in high school, we three crossed the bridge like every day together. And just a bird with, like to\u00a0represent\u00a0peace, with, an artistic style,\u00a0that\u2019s\u00a0what I wanted to interpret.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Through these elements, Urquidi\u2019s painting reflects the unity and shared life that exists across the border. Urquidi said the piece serves as both a tribute to border life and a reminder of the connection between El Paso and Juarez.\u00a0<\/p>\n
It\u2019s\u00a0something beautiful for this community that most of the world\u00a0doesn\u2019t\u00a0have\u00a0this\u00a0connection with countries, so I feel like art is the best way to talk about it,\u201d Urquidi said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Together the artists featured in \u201cThe Bridge\u201d capture the complexity of border life, the hardships, memories and\u00a0every day\u00a0moments that connect El Paso and Ciudad Juarez.<\/p>\n
Jewel Ocampo is a staff reporter and may be reached at [email\u00a0protected]<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n
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