UNM examines migrants’ perspectives at symposium and art exhibit

If only walls could tell stories - except this time they can. The College of Arts and Sciences hosts a two-day art exhibit on the struggles of migration told through art and narrative.

The first event will begin Tuesday Nov. 12 at 10 a.m. in Ortega Hall 335. Guests can help hang the pop-up exhibit of "Rostros Migrantes" and "Mujeres en tránsito" by Derli Romero.

This exhibit records the hunger, cold, and violence that over 100 Central American migrants faced on their journey through Mexico when immigrating to the United States. Romero uses paper made from their articles of clothing to create silhouettes of their faces with their words printed on them, transforming their stories into a living work of art.

After helping to hang the exhibit, guests can hear from research experts.

At 11 a.m. "Combining Activism with Academia" will present speakers to discuss the rewards and challenges of coordinating migrant activism with teaching.

This will be followed by a round table on migration activism and community support at 12 p.m.

At 1pm guests can help to take down the pop-up exhibit in Ortega 335.

The symposium will continue on Wednesday Nov. 13 at 11 a.m. in the Water Room at Zimmerman Library, where Derli Romero's work currently forms part of the Pedacitos de Resistenciaexhibit curated by Margie Montañez, curator of UNM's Latin American collection and director of the Center for Southwest Research and Special Collections.

The second day will focus on "Art as an Activism" and will examine Romero's work alongside other artistic representations of migration to paint a vibrant picture for audiences about the importance of visual representation and the use of migrants' own words to tell their stories.

The symposium will continue with a round table on approaching migration from the perspective of different disciplines before ending at 1 p.m. with lunch and coffee.

The College of Arts and Sciences' Dean's WeR1 Initiative for Interdisciplinary Events encourages students, faculty, and staff to learn about migration from inspired exhibits and moving testimonies.