Politically immigration has become a topic of utmost
urgency; artistically immigration has become a muse for artistic activism and
many artists have taken it upon themselves to not necessarily fulfill a
political agenda, but to make people aware, and make voices heard. One group of
artists in particular have started what’s called the Inside Out project, a
project which focuses on taking pictures of illegal immigrants and creating a
portrait of the “faces of America.” The group travels in a van across cities in
the US to put faces to the 11 million illegal immigrants living in the country,
and posts the 3 x 5’ portraits of around the city. With inspirational quotes
such as, “we’re all immigrants, and that’s the makeup of this country,” and “we
need you to rebuild the country,” the pictures typically stay up for several
weeks.
Admits all of the political strikes and protests, it’s nice
to find news about fellow artists and the impact that they have, however small,
on society. Though the organization isn't taking to the streets with riots and
fancy speeches, the little things, the silent voice has so much to say. In some
ways I feel like the subtlety is better because it’s always there, it makes you
think, it brings attention to the smallest details in a way that’s not
disruptive or distracting to what’s really important. It’s not an argument of
who’s right or wrong it’s a silent reminder what’s really going on. I just hope
that the group can find a way to bring the awareness that they’re gathering and
apply it to something that’ll make an impact on a larger scale.
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