The works of Mexican artist Betsabee Romero offered a reflection on themes of migration and belonging in an exhibit featured recently at the The Stanlee and Gerald Rubin Center at UTEP.
The exhibit of large-scale sculptures, prints and installations titled Tu Huella Es Tu Camino (Your Tracks Are Your Path) will be up through Friday, Dec. 14, 2018.
El Paso’s position as a multicultural border city is one of the most defining aspects of its unique character. For Romero, the Rubin Center was a natural landing for her exhibit.
“For me, El Paso and especially the multicultural university population and the vision of the Rubin Center created the ideal context for this exposition,” Romero said.
Referencing El Paso’s position as a border city, Melissa Barba, assistant director of the Rubin Center, said she believes that experiencing the blend of cultures in day-to-day life attracts the center to exhibits with similar themes that arise from our geography.
“We are really at the forefront of everything that is happening and what people talk about with the border, with how dangerous they think it is and all of these issues of migration. We have it all at an arm’s length away. We can turn to one side and that’s another country.”
Betsabee Romero says it is important to emphasize the shared history and cultural values across border lines.
“As an artist from Mexico, I wanted to make sure that people understand the necessity of recognizing and dignifying the art from both sides of the border,” Romero said.
Romero’s art installations focus on sculptures and textiles. Her style is mainly centered around her use of traditional techniques for constructing and detailing the items in her sculptures. This creates a rugged, rough and organic look.
The exhibit will be on display in the Rubin Center through December 14th. The Rubin Center’s gallery hours are 10 A.M. – 5 P.M. Monday through Wednesday, and 10 A.M. – 7 P.M. on Thursday.
