Artist hopes exhibit at Centro de Artes Gallery opens doors to discussions on immigration, border issues

Artwork will be on display until Dec. 30

SAN ANTONIO – Two artists aim to show the cultural and societal importance of the immigrant and indigenous experience through paintings and fabric.

Their work is on display at the exhibits at the Centro de Artes Gallery in Market Square.

RELATED: 2 free exhibits open at Centro de Artes Gallery in downtown San Antonio

Artist Leila Hernandez’s work is inspired by the journey of immigrants.

“The first collection is called ‘Los Tapices’ or ‘The Tapestries’, and they show different views of the border, or the border wall and how has affected the population on both sides,” Hernandez said.

Hernandez said the entire exhibition is of repurposed material.

Another collection represents the different jobs some immigrants have.

“For me, this is a salute for their sweat and tears and recognizing their resilience and the strength of these people,” Hernandez said.

On display you will find different items collected along the border, from backpacks, clothing, and toiletries.

Hernandez hopes her exhibit opens doors to discussions on immigration and border issues.

“I want them to think about what is happening, because many times they go, immigration, immigration, immigrants and it’s losing a face. Losing humanity. So, by looking at the faces of the children, it brings you back to yes, these are human beings. These are people that are in need that we should help out,” Hernandez said.

The exhibits are free to the public at the Centro de Artes Gallery on 101 Santa Rosa in Market Square.

It is open Wednesday through Friday, from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

The exhibits are on view through December 30.


About the Authors:

Tiffany Huertas is a reporter for KSAT 12 known for her in-depth storytelling and her involvement with the community.