Tijuana Organic: Women’s border realities

1 July – 19 August 2006

The first UK show of 10 female artists and projects from Tijuana, Mexico. The exhibition reveals the harsh realities of life in this busy and notorious border city, and more particularly explores women’s experiences within its culture. Situated at the Northwest Mexican border, Tijuana is the main passage between the Mexican state of Baja California and the USA. The city acts as a dam for thousands of migrants, criminals and illegal workers who hope to cross the border, and in doing so magnifies existing political tensions and cultural contradictions in the region. It is also a city that has redefined itself through cultural activity.

The exhibition will also include a residency by two members of Tijuana-based independent media collective Bulbo. Their name ‘Bulbo’ is Spanish for ‘bulb’ and signifies their desire to cast light upon people and ideas which are sidelined by mainstream media. Bulbo members Lorena Fuentes Aymes and Cristina Velasco Lozano completed a three week residency at the beginning of May, during which time they worked with local individuals and organisations, including Unity Radio and Lets Go Global. Their collaborations culminated in two events, which linked gallery audiences to Tijuana via live internet streaming. The artists used a diverse range of media, including photography, painting, installation and new media to explore questions of female identity and the evolving role of women in Mexican society. Issues that confront women in their daily lives are dealt with through metaphor, narrative and the humorous use of everyday materials.

The exhibition featured the work of Mely Barragán, Silvia Galindo Betancourt, Tania Candiani, Itzel Mtz. Del Cañizo, Carmela Castrejón Diego, Gabriela Escárcega Langarica, Lula Lewis , Irma Sofia Poeter, Yvonne Venegas and Bulbo.

Curated by Maria Montserrat Sánchez, organised by Cornerhouse

The exhibition was opened by Fiona Fletcher-Smith, Corporate Director, Neighbourhoods and Regeneration, London Borough of Hackney.