American

Luis Jimenez

U.S.
Tan Lejos de Dios, Tan Cercas de los Estados Unidos (So far from God; so close to the U.S.) 2002.0005

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In numerous works Luis Jiménez has addressed the problems of the Mexican-American community, Texas myths, and the culture clash between Anglo and Mexican cultures on the border. Jiménez'z monumental and heroic sculpture, Border Crossing, Jiménez specifically tackles the problem of illegal immigration into the U.S. from Mexico: the figure of a man carrying a woman and child on his back conveys the emotional message of the promise of a better life and escape from a life of struggle. In So Far from God; So Close to the United States, Jiménez has reused this imagery as the focal point for a larger group of illegal immigrants, pursued by snarling coyotes, impeded by razor wire, and hunted by the border patrol. They are "guided" by one of the gang members who specialize in taking illegals across the border for large sums of money.

 

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