GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A new exhibit at the Grand Rapids Art Museum is shining a light on the US-Mexico border.
"It was important to me to bring this exhibition to Grand Rapids, because we are very geographically removed from what's happening along the US Mexican border," said curator Jen Wcisel.
"Border Cantos/Sonic Border" is a collaborative project between two artists, Guillermo Galindo and Richard Misrach.
Galindo composed a 260-minute musical piece for the exhibit, using only musical instruments created from objects discarded near the border.
"He collects materials from the border and creates musical instruments out of them," Wcisel said. "He uses them to create musical compositions to reference, you know, the experience the feeling of being along that border region."
Galindo collaborated with Misrach, a landscape photographer.
"Richard is an incredible photographer who creates really beautiful landscapes that are so immersive, and you almost feel like you're right in that space," Wcisel said.
The goal is to address "the human consequences of immigration policies," according to a release.
"What these artists are doing is capturing an experience that many of us will never have, and a place that many of us will never go and see ourselves," said Wcisel. "I thought it was important to share these images to share these stories, in the hopes of just building compassion and building empathy around the experiences of the migrants who are crossing this area."
The exhibit is open through April 28.
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