Border, USA|MX

Border, USA|MX is an evolving earthwork located at 1302 Dennis Street in Houston, Texas. Corruption, poverty and violence have forced thousands of people from Central America and Mexico to flee to the United States to this border in search of security and support. Instead of finding a safe place, they often face discrimination and experience some degree of exploitation. In 2015, a two-foot wide and nearly 300’- foot long trench mirroring the shape of the border between the United States and Mexico was carved out of the grassy land area on Dennis Street. It was then filled with red sand. In the earthwork’s initial phase, the sand was not visible to passing cars despite its bright red color because it was level with the grass surrounding it. Like human trafficking itself, the installation was hidden in plain site.