A group of Philadelphia muralists interviewed five families separated by deportation. Five large-scale street arts have been popping up throughout the city that give family members and friends affected by deportation a voice. These touching personal narratives were collected and painted by artist Michelle Angela Ortiz.
The thoughtful pieces come as a result of hours of interviews of families separated from loved ones who were brave enough to share their stories. Many of the subjects spoke about the very day their family members were deported and how the rest of their lives subsequently changed because of it. Rather than looking at statistics, Ortiz treated the undocumented in a far more humanized manner.
Some of the works include murals and specific quotes from families and the one that reads: "We are human beings risking our lives, for our families, and our future" is especially heartbreaking.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Street Art as Social Commentary
- Using street art as a medium to convey powerful messages and raise awareness about social issues such as deportation and family separation.
- Humanizing Undocumented Individuals
- Challenging stereotypes and promoting empathy by presenting the stories and experiences of undocumented individuals through art.
- Community Engagement Through Public Art
- Creating opportunities for dialogue and community engagement by displaying murals in public spaces that tell the stories of marginalized communities.
Where This Applies
- Art and Design
- Utilizing street art and public murals to address social issues and spark conversation.
- Immigration and Advocacy
- Supporting advocacy efforts and amplifying the voices of those affected by deportation through storytelling and art.
- Community Development
- Fostering community engagement and social cohesion through public art installations that address important societal issues.
