Work of art (variable dimensions) in Paper, cart, wire by artist Karla Garcia part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Uncertain Ground."

Work of art in graphite by artist Karla Garcia part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Uncertain Ground."

Work of art in maple wood, trays, corn husks, bicycle wheels by artist Karla Garcia part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Uncertain Ground."

Work of art of digital by artist Melissa Gamez-Herrera, as part of a 2020 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Te Digo Que Lo Llevo En La Sangre (I’m Telling You That I Carry It In My Blood)".

Work of art of Archival Inkjet Print by artist Melissa Gamez-Herrera, as part of a 2020 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Te Digo Que Lo Llevo En La Sangre (I’m Telling You That I Carry It In My Blood)".

Work of art of Type on onionskin paper by artist Melissa Gamez-Herrera, as part of a 2020 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Te Digo Que Lo Llevo En La Sangre (I’m Telling You That I Carry It In My Blood)".

Work of art of Type on onionskin paper by artist Melissa Gamez-Herrera, as part of a 2020 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Te Digo Que Lo Llevo En La Sangre (I’m Telling You That I Carry It In My Blood)".

Work of art of digital by artist Melissa Gamez-Herrera, as part of a 2020 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Te Digo Que Lo Llevo En La Sangre (I’m Telling You That I Carry It In My Blood)".

Juan Barroso's artwork depicts Mexican labor and the immigrant experience at the border. With the current political administration enforcing policies that dehumanize and force immigrants into the shadows, recognizing an immigrant’s humanity is vital. As the son of immigrant parents, he pays homage to his people and the dignity of their labor. He mixes 2- dimensional imagery, influenced by personal narratives, with 3-dimensional functional forms. Using a small watercolor brush, he paints his images with thousands of dots in a timeconsuming and labor-intensive process that becomes an act of devotion.

This work is a developing portrait of women workers who are involved in labor rights advocacy within the context of the maquiladora (assemblage factory) industry in Mexico. I have traveled to do research in Mexico by making photographs and through collecting recorded testimonies from the women workers I come to meet through an organization called the Comité Fronterizo de Obreras. The resulting artwork I make includes photographs, handmade books, video, sculpture and works on paper. Ultimately, my translation of the empowerment and stories of these women workers into works of art are at the center of my practice.

Work of art in maple wood, trays, corn husks, bicycle wheels by artist Karla Garcia part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Uncertain Ground."

Work of art of Type on onionskin paper by artist Melissa Gamez-Herrera, as part of a 2020 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Te Digo Que Lo Llevo En La Sangre (I’m Telling You That I Carry It In My Blood)".

Work of art of Type on onionskin paper by artist Melissa Gamez-Herrera, as part of a 2020 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Te Digo Que Lo Llevo En La Sangre (I’m Telling You That I Carry It In My Blood)".

Work of art of Archival Inkjet Print by artist Melissa Gamez-Herrera, as part of a 2020 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Te Digo Que Lo Llevo En La Sangre (I’m Telling You That I Carry It In My Blood)".