2008 Woodie Awards
Immigration: Through an artist's eyes
Audrey Gore, Staff Writer
|
If your mother is an immigrant, you've presented art to Laura Bush and you've contemplated the many different ways you can portray a jalapeño, you could say your life was complicated. Or you could say you are Ruben Trejo.
Trejo is the artist currently being exhibited in the Fine Art Building's Koehler Gallery.
Trejo gave a presentation of his work to Whitworth students Nov. 6, highlighting events in his life that had influenced his art.
As the son of immigrants to the United States from Mexico, the culture and experiences of Trejo's youth have infused his work with folk traditions and iconic shapes, promoting the idea of culture in non-traditional ways, he said. Because he was born in the United States, Trejo tries to combine the meanings of the different cultures that he has experienced, in his art.
"It gives space to what it means to be born in this country," Trejo said.
Trejo presented his work and life story with a sense of humor. He told stories about his teaching days at Eastern Washington University, while he was working on his railroad spike art collection, and about giving art presentations to First Lady Laura Bush and other influential women. Whitworth students were impressed by his speaking skills.
"I found it compelling. I liked his sense of humor," sophomore art major Joanna Kendall said.
Of all the examples Trejo shared of his work, Kendall's favorite was the series of maps with figures coming out of them.
Trejo created this series to show what coming to the United States meant for immigrants. His father is featured in this series as well as historical and political figures such as Poncho Villa.
Immigration is a popular theme in Trejo's work. He said he feels tied to people who are trying to get into the United States and compassionate for the many that die in the process.
Trejo said he strives to show people through his art what he has inherited from his own culture and how important that is.
Trejo's exhibit will be up in the Koehler gallery through December and features entirely black pieces he meant to have reflect light and give an impression of quiet, he said. Though he is not affiliated with one gallery, his work can be viewed in many collections throughout the country.
Contact Audrey Gore at audrey.gore@whitworthian.com.
For this reason, The Whitworthian asks readers to be responsible and respectful in any comments posted. The responsibility for statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not the whitworthian.com. Readers are also encouraged to report questionable comments by e-mailing editor@whitworthian.com.
Be the first to comment on this story