My mother immigrated to the United States on May 8, 1986 on a student visa. When it expired, she chose to remain here illegally. Her story is strikingly similar to the stories of millions of immigrants in this country. She cleaned houses, hospitals, and hotels for nearly two decades. In 2004, she became a citizen of this country. Hers is a story of perseverance and hope. The world was, and continues to be, built on the blood and sweat of laborers.
September’s issue of Artborne pays tribute not only to National Hispanic Heritage Month, but also to the countless immigrants of all backgrounds who find their way to our shores, and bleed for a better life. Through our pages, you’ll read about Wanda Raimundi-Ortiz, a Bronx native who explores the concept of ‘otherness’ through her portraits, and Victor Quino, a Peruvian immigrant who copes with adversity through his surrealist paintings. Julian Chambliss graces our pages with his performance piece, about which he explains the significance of burning Confederate flags.
Years back, I was struck by a line in American History X, “It’s always good to end with a quote. Someone else has already said it best. So if you can’t top it, steal from them and go out strong.” I would like to present this issue of Artborne Magazine through the words of Wanda Raimundi-Ortiz, found in the exhibition catalogue for Displacement: Symbols and Journeys at the Cornell Fine Arts Museum:
“The hustle simply is.” -Wanda Raimundi-Ortiz
(September Issue available on Sept. 3, 2016)
