Borderline Cases: Pictures that Enlighten and Words that Deceive
In this project we studied and discussed immigration, specifically the stories of unaccompanied minor immigrants from Central American countries. We read many heart wrenching accounts from children about the violence in Central America and studied the causes of the displacement of these children. We then looked to answer an essential question about immigration through an art piece.
Essential Questions:
I chose to answer the question 'Why do people immigrate?' in my art piece.
Essential Questions:
- Why do people immigrate to other countries?
- What are the challenges they might face when entering a new country?
- What is the difference between acculturation and assimilation?
- What things are essential or necessary to achieve success in the US?
- Is there an American dream? Is it for everyone?
I chose to answer the question 'Why do people immigrate?' in my art piece.
My piece was inspired by the alarming truth: That many people immigrate to escape the abuse and torture of human trafficking. I felt this topic was especially important to highlight in my piece because it is estimated that every year, there are up to 8,108 victims of human trafficking in our own city, San Diego. In my drawing, I chose to represent victims of this hideous crime as faceless hands in darkness. “Slavery still exists” is written on the hands to represent the modern day slavery that victims of human trafficking suffer.
Reflection
At the exhibition we displayed our work gallery style in our class. I was very proud of my piece because I really pushed myself out of my comfort zone while making it. I don't have much experience with colored pencils so I was nervous about how my piece would come out. I chose to do a more advanced shading technique that I am happy I pursued. I also liked how I used my art piece to also address a social justice topic I am passionate about.