“Jimmy” 60 x 37 ink on panel

“Jimmy” 60 x 37 ink on panel 2025

In 1929 the border between the US and Mexico was closed. prior to that there had been no rules or regulations regarding border crossing. In the early 1930’s the border closure was enforced as Mexicans were blamed for taking jobs during the Great Depression. In August 1943, to aid the war effort, an agreement between the U.S. and Mexican governments permitted Mexican citizens to take temporary agricultural work in the United States. This program was called the Bracero Program and continued until 1964 when the US stopped issuing work visas.

For Jimmy’s portrait I used the text from US code 1325 from 1929 that made crossing the US Mexican border illegal. Jimmy’s family moved to South Los Angeles in 1960 as part of the Bracero work visa program.

This will be part of the LA Department of Cultural Affairs’ Independent Master Artist Project (COLA IMAP) show at the LA Municipal Art Gallery. 4800 Hollywood Blvd.

The show runs from July 17 to August 30

Opening Reception: Saturday, July 19, 4–6 PM