fbpx

Crossroads: Book Artists’ Impassioned Responses to Immigration, Human Rights and Our Environment

February 7, 2022

We are at a crossroad. Our world is changing in myriad ways: refugees and migrants are being displaced, our environment is visibly in peril and there are constant conflicts/wars between countries and within nations. This past year the world was devastated by a pandemic, Covid-19, which to date has caused more than 562,000 deaths in the United States.

While our country was suffering under this epidemic, governmental lies, ineptitude and callousness caused many to suffer physically and mentally and to go hungry in the wealthiest nation in the world.  By blaming the W.H.O. and China for misleading us about the outbreak, officials stoked prejudice and hatred toward Chinese people in our country. George Floyd, an African American, was killed by a white Minneapolis police officer who knelt on his neck for over 9 minutes during his arrest. Protests against systemic racism erupted all around the US and the world.

Under a Zero Tolerance Policy, more than 5,000 children were separated from their families at the border and to this day more that 445 of them are still lost. The wall, at a cost of 45 billion dollars, contributed to the destruction of protected lands such as the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, the Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, the Lomita Historical Park, the National Butterfly Center, a tract of the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge as well as the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and Native American burial grounds.

Our lives over this past year have changed in ways that we are still trying to comprehend. With the pandemic, we lost the unspoken connection we make with one another, from a single handshake to a hug or kiss. This exhibition re-connects us and celebrates the return of the artists, who are reacting, lending their voices, and presenting book works that reflect our tumultuous times. These artists share personal stories, reflecting the changes they observe, alongside concerns for our current policies towards immigration, climate change and equal rights. The books presented in this exhibition open a dialogue about policies and concerns facing our country.

Maria G Pisano – Curator © 1/2019

Show Your Support

In addition to inspiring people with our classes, we spark imaginations with world-class art installed on our terrace and in our galleries. We maintain the beautiful stone mill that deepens your ties with the past and provide a gathering place for your family and friends on the Toshiko Takaezu Terrace.

Please consider making a tax-deductible donation so that we may continue educating, challenging, and inspiring community through the arts.

Programs are made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts; The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation; Hunterdon County Board of County Commissioners, through funds administered by the Cultural & Heritage Commission; Hyde and Watson Foundation; Union Foundation; The Large Foundation; and BLICK Art Materials, along with other corporations, foundations and individuals.  The Hunterdon Art Museum is a wheelchair-accessible space.  Publications are available in large print.  Patrons who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired may contact the Museum through the New Jersey Relay Service at (TTY) 1 (800) 852-7899.

The land upon which Hunterdon Art Museum is located is part of the traditional territory of the Lenni-Lenape, called “Lenapehoking.” We acknowledge the Lenni-Lenape as the original people of this land.

 

Back To Virtual Resources

More Virtual Resources