The chronicling of an artistic project, “DeLIMITations,” that should interest both U.S. and Mexican citizens during these times of troubled international relations is showing at the Museo de las Artes in Guadalajara.
One of 47 steel obelisks was placed near a plantation-style U.S. home as part of the art installation “DeLIMITations” by Marcos Ramirez and David Taylor.
The line of white markers that stretches from an ocean beach in northern California to one in southeast Texas marks the 1821 border, before 55 percent of Mexico was ceded to the United States.
“DeLIMITations” was funded by various museums and organizations and required many months of planning, construction, van travel and installation by the artists before completion.
Much of the process has been recorded in the show, which recently arrived in Guadalajara after traveling to various cities, including Puerto Vallarta.
In the chronicles included in the small but engrossing exhibition (along with photographs of each of the 47 plaques in place as well as striking, explanatory maps and informative panels), the artists recount one of their more memorable implants, when, after considerable plotting of geographical coordinates, they placed the marker that is farthest from the current U.S.-Mexico border near a California highway sign welcoming visitors to Oregon. Ggeneral, sympathetic incredulity among passersby ensued.
Even though the project was unauthorized by any landowners or custodians, the artists note that they received active hostility on only one occasion, although they often skedaddled quickly after installing their obelisks, fearing reaction from park rangers or other authorities.
The exhibit shows until April 8 at the University of Guadalajara Museo de las Artes (MUSA), Juárez 975, corner of Enrique Diaz de Leon, Guadalajara. Tel. (33) 3134-1664. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Mondays. No charge to enter.