our stories our dreams
CIRCA 2019
Artist statement - CuratorS Monique Arguelles & cRISTINA RODRIGUEZ
These are painful thoughts, thoughts about the “border,” about separation, and about who has rights of citizenship. Over and over, we hear about the immigrant crisis and the people that do no “belong.” It makes me angry and it makes me realize that there are many that would say I do not belong because of my race, my skin color, my family bonds. I am a U.S. citizen, but I wonder when I will be told I no longer belong here, that my family does not belong here. That because of our skin and race that no Latinos belong here. These are painful thoughts, and this exhibit represents our efforts as artists to raise awareness and visibility for our community. The exhibit “Our Stories / Our Dreams” provides an insight into the spirit of Latinx artists living in Crookston Minnesota. As expressed by curator Rodriguez, “The universe holds a lot of places and within it you find many unique differences and individualities. With all those differences that take place we all have our stories. These in particular stories come from a rural place in northern Minnesota. A place many have traveled to from other parts of the Map to call home. There has been a struggle within to find an identity. Many have helped pave a way and new generations have begun to call Crookston a home. Still many youth seek out in the form of artistic ways to express their struggles and individuality which is brought forth with the Fresh Voices program through both Digital Storytelling and Videography. The work presented here are stories from individuals who have spoke out and expressed themselves through works of art.” Curators- Cristina Rodriguez & Monique Arguelles
The EXCHANGE TOUR is dedicated to building appreciation for the arts by sharing digital stories across communities in the state of Minnesota. Between June 2019 and October 2021 artwork was exchanged between five communities and then brought together in collective exhibits and screenings. Look below to find out more about each exhibit below.
This video presentation features an interview with curator Monique Arguelles, and photo and video work produced by Latinx artists from Crookston Minnesota.