ARTIST STATEMENT

Based on Art Nouveau calligraphy this work features a migrant worker. In this traditional format I have elevated the status of this worker to shed light on the men, women, and children who work the fields. For generations, migrant workers have been some of the most vulnerable of our society. They often work in poor and dangerous conditions. Pesticide exposure and poisoning, extreme weather conditions, and no adequate drinking water or ability to wash off the pesticides, are some of the daily conditions these workers endure. Despite child labor laws, children often work in the fields. Their young bodies experience the same exposure and grueling physical demands. Attending school is difficult. Even if the children do not work; the need to relocate for work is constantly disrupting their education. The livelihood struggle continues with poor housing conditions, often-unfair wages, and unscrupulous employers who have little to no consequence for their abusive actions. Migrant workers are a necessity for the harvesting of our food and they too contribute to our economy; yet their plight is often ignored and cloaked in the shadows of society.