Valeryah Lara-Urrea / The SWC Sun
ALL’S FARE IN LOVE AND WAR—Iranian immigrant Farshid Bazmandegan created a taxicab that transverses political chaos in his ancient homeland.
By Luca Arnazzi
Our national leaders have not said anything artful about immigrants, refugees or people from around the globe on the move in search of opportunity, peace and acceptance. Perhaps it is a conversation best left to artists.
The Southwestern College exhibit “Faraway SO CLOSE” was an inspiring effort to show the reasons for immigration and the pain of leaving one’s homeland. Professor of Art Marisol Rendon, the Gallery Exhibitions Coordinator, said the show is bittersweet.
“It’s an exhibition that is very dear to my heart,” she said. “I just wanted to know how many other artists felt (about immigration). These are immigrant artists that still have that intimacy with their country of origin. They still feel there are voices they brought with them ever since they were kids.”
Iranian American artist Farshid Bazmandegan used sound to create a cacophony of voices from radio and television newscasts that capture the chaos and conflicts of his ancient society consumed by an authoritarian theocratic state. His visual suggests a taxi whose driver listens to all the speeches, propaganda and moments of hope while he navigates his city.
“I was interested in engaging audiences,” he said. “Who is the passenger? Who is the driver? I hung so many objects from the mirror. The driver has brought interest to specific personal, political, violence, love language and family photos? A passenger could engage off these objects.”
Carlos Castro’s “Subtraction and Penetration” was quite literally a biting commentary that looked like a corn cob but was made with human teeth he had found on both sides of the border. Castro said his goal is to demonstrate the duality as well as the unity in Tijuana and San Diego County. The teeth, he said, look the same and no one can tell where they came from.
Southwestern College student Jayce Walker said he was impressed by the emotion and passion generated by the art.
“There is a lot of personality and cultural influence,” he said. “It was definitely worth attending. You can see so much from each piece. There may be different interpretations from person to person, but it speaks to you regardless.”
