Another blog post describes my thought process over the past few weeks, in tackling this small-scale installation. The original intent was more complicated, including sound and other technologies. However, as I created the frame and woven structures, it became the final product. I felt that to add any additional sound or visual components would be doing it just because. Perhaps, in the future I can add audio and video as a part of an installation with this and other similar sculptures in a group. I fell in love with these materials and enjoyed the process immensely.
By framing my colorful images fading to gray in an iron fence of scrap metal, I create a jungle gym for the caged, a wall against evil spirits and a statement questioning immigration injustices in America. The Huichol Indians of western Mexico call their God’s Eyes “Sikuli,” which means “the power to see and understand things unknown.”The woven string and wood pieces are used across Mexican-Catholic traditions and are thought to cast away evil spirits. A black, cage-like structure literally frames immigration issues our country has faced in recent years, especially regarding children and families crossing the southern US border.
Stephanie Hardin 