Discuss the immigration in art.

This is a two Part Assignment
Here’s my proposal: After careful consideration, I have decided to focus on the topic of immigration in art, with a
particular emphasis on the concept of “Portable Borders.” Inspired by our recent discussions and
readings, I aim to explore how artists have portrayed and interpreted the complex realities of
immigration through various mediums such as painting, sculpture, photography, and
performance art. By delving into artworks that capture the experiences of migrants, as well as the
socio-political dimensions surrounding migration, I hope to unravel the nuanced narratives
embedded within these creative expressions. My paper will analyze selected artworks within the
framework of “Portable Borders,” examining how artists negotiate themes of identity, belonging,
displacement, and cultural hybridity. Additionally, I plan to incorporate critical perspectives and
scholarly research to contextualize the artworks within broader historical, cultural, and
theoretical frameworks. I believe that this project will not only deepen my understanding of
immigration issues but also contribute to the ongoing dialogue on art’s capacity to engage with
pressing social issues. I am eager to embark on this exploration and would greatly appreciate any
guidance or feedback you may have as I progress with my research and writing.

For the second assignment, students will submit:
a brief statement about the them they plan to explore in their final project assignment. This statement should reflect some refinement since the submission of Assignment #1. It should also indicate the way they intend to personalize the theme they have chosen (i.e. will they consider how questions of race, class or gender intersect with it?)
an annotated bibliography of the scholarly/academic resources they plan to use to interpret their theme. This list should be properly cited using the format for Bibliographic citations in the citation system they are using. We recommend Chicago Manual of StyleLinks to an external site..
a list of works of art you have chosen to explore your theme.
Assignment #2: Due on Monday, March 7th by 8am
Students will submit an annotated bibliography of the scholarly/academic resources they plan to use to interpret the theme and works of art they have chosen. Students opting for the Oral Exam will also sign up for one of the 20-minute oral exam periods we provide. [Grade: complete/incomplete]
Assignment #3: Due on Sunday, March 10th by 11am
Students will submit the final draft of their essays

Final Project: A Paper or Oral Exam
For the culminating project you have two choices. Each choice provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate:
Mastery of one of the themes we’ve explored in class
Competency with the visual and material analysis skills we have practiced in class and through written assessments
Originality and personal agency by developing and researching a unique perspective on the theme they have chosen
Choice #1:
Write a final paper. For this choice, your task is to develop an argument on a theme or concept in contemporary art. We will circulate a list of potential case studies, but you are also free to develop your own topic in consultation with us. Your task is to examine the chosen theme or concept in relation to 3-4 artworks. You should aim to develop an argument that foregrounds your own interpretive abilities. Your research essay should be no more than 10-12 pages, double-spaced with standard margins in a 12-point font. Bibliographies should include between 6-10 academic sources.

here’s my analysis to the image i uploaded
A Deeper Look at “STOP THE RAIDS, STOP ICE”: A 5-Minute Analysis
Oree Originol’s “STOP THE RAIDS, STOP ICE, FROM THE PORTFOLIO MIGRATION NOW” is a visually potent poster that transcends its 2012 origins to speak powerfully to the ongoing human cost of border enforcement policies. While the stark simplicity of its design might be mistaken for a straightforward call to action, delving deeper reveals a multi-layered tapestry of emotions, symbolism, and connections to the broader concept of “portable borders.”
At the heart of the poster lies the image of a man pushing a cart overflowing with belongings. His anonymity, with no discernable facial features, amplifies the universality of his plight. He is not just one undocumented immigrant facing displacement, but an emblem of countless families torn apart by ICE raids. The cart, laden with the remnants of a hastily disrupted life, becomes a poignant symbol of forced migration and the devastating consequences of policies that treat humans as pawns in a political game.
The bold text dominating the upper half is impossible to ignore. “STOP THE RAIDS, STOP ICE” pulsates with an urgency that cannot be mistaken. The repetition of “STOP” underscores the desperation of the call to action, demanding immediate change and an end to the suffering inflicted by these raids. The stark red color amplifies the emotional impact, evoking feelings of anger, alarm, and the visceral need to intervene.
Yet, beneath the surface of immediacy lies a deeper level of critique. The placement of the text above the image subtly highlights the power dynamics at play. The state, represented by the imposing demands, looms large over the marginalized communities experiencing the harsh reality of those demands. This visual hierarchy compels viewers to confront the imbalance of power and question the very foundation of policies that prioritize control over humanity.
Connecting this poster to the concept of “portable borders” further broadens its scope. The image goes beyond physical barriers and barbed wire fences to expose the emotional and psychological borders erected through these policies. The act of uprooting families, severing ties, and forcing displacement creates invisible borders that scar communities and leave lasting trauma in their wake.
Originol’s work compels us to move beyond statistics and abstract policy discussions to acknowledge the human faces behind the numbers. By stripping away individuality and reducing people to nameless figures forced to move belongings at a moment’s notice, the poster invites us to empathize and witness the consequences of treating migrants as objects to be controlled.
In conclusion, “STOP THE RAIDS, STOP ICE” is not just a fleeting call to action. It is a visual manifesto that demands critical reflection, challenges the dehumanization inherent in border control policies, and urges us to remember the human stories woven into the fabric of immigration debates. This potent reminder of the human cost of portable borders continues to resonate, reminding us that true borders reside not in fences and checkpoints, but in the fractures, we create within our own hearts and communities.
Grading Rubric:
This assignment will be graded with a letter grade of: A, A-, B+, B, B-. C or E.
A range grades- A grade of A or A- will be assessed to projects depending on how well they meet the following criteria:
The research project is well organized, the argument is clearly articulated and supported by ample visual evidence.
The theoretical terms and concepts have been both explained and qualified, demonstrating both mastery of research and originality of application.
All artworks under discussion are skillfully analyzed using skills in visual/material analysis developed this term as well as an ability to link object analysis to your argument and the theoretical terms and concepts you are exploring.
The research for the project is appropriate to the topic, adheres to the stated guidelines, and reflects the skills and techniques for library research covered in class.
The research project takes risks, even if they are not 100% successful. They test out arguments about the artworks under consideration, try applying a new critical framework, and/or there is clear evidence of an attempt to develop and original take on the material discussed.
The final project shows careful refinement since the submission of the initial assignment.
All citations are properly and consistently formatted using an accredited scholarly citation system.
Any use of AI is properly cited according to the guidelines in the syllabus.

Last Completed Projects