IMMIGRATION NATION

NORA VALDEZ
MAY 24 - AUGUST 5, 2017

Immigration Nation is a community art project created in collaboration with community members and artists that uses suitcases as a vehicle to tell the story of individual immigrant journeys. Each suitcase will be transformed into a work of art that celebrates individual stories and represents a collective American experience. Over 400 suitcases will be produced and exhibited in 3 locations in collaboration with Urbano Project and the Egleston Square Main Street.

About the Artist

Nora Valdez is an Argentine-born artist working and exhibiting since 1977. In 1982 she graduated from the College of Fine Arts (Mercedes San Luis, Argentina) with the title of Professor of Fine Arts. Her work has been exhibited in a variety of venues in Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Italy, Spain, Germany, Greece, Japan, Canada and the United States. 

From the beginning, Valdez has utilized sculpture and installations to create images that reflect on the nature of change, the life of the individual and the natural or societal forces that buffet our souls. While her earlier installation work explored the effects of alienation caused by various forms of repression, her stone work seeks to make more subtle comments on these concerns. Her thematic concerns are also reflected in her involvement with the community: doing public art projects and giving workshops at a variety of urban institutions. Art becomes not just a way to explore issues of human rights but to have a direct effect on them as well.