Located on the border of Mexico and the United States, Tijuana is often portrayed through a narrow lens. However, artist Ingrid Hernández challenges these stereotypes by showcasing the city in its true essence. Her work presents an authentic view of Tijuana, where cultures intertwine and creativity flourishes.
Hernández's ongoing exploration is featured in the exhibition titled "Ingrid Hernández: 20 Years of Art _Under Construction_", currently held at the Centro Cultural Tijuana (CECUT). Curated by Daniela Lieja Quintanar and Rosela del Bosque, this exhibition features an array of 13 photographic series, including her earlier works like Outdoor (2003-04) and recent projects from the US and Colombia. Over the past two decades, Hernández has focused her lens on Tijuana's asentamientos (informal settlements), revealing the intricate narratives of a city where wealth and poverty coexist.
One striking image from the Outdoor series depicts a small dwelling constructed from repurposed garage doors, which are often sourced from the affluent San Diego. In Tijuana, discarded materials find new life as homes, embodying the resilience of its inhabitants.
Hernández, a Tijuana native, draws inspiration from her upbringing in a city that many view merely as a transit point to the United States. She resides in a house built by her mother, reflecting the typical autoconstrucciones (self-built homes) of the region, where construction is a gradual process using available resources.
The artist's series, such as Tijuana Compressed (2004-05), further explore innovative material use while highlighting Tijuana's role as a manufacturing center. Her photographs capture makeshift homes crafted from wooden pallets and industrial packaging, showcasing the creative spirit of the community.
Hernández's work does not shy away from the challenges faced by residents of the asentamientos. Yet, her approach is marked by dignity, presenting these spaces with grace and color, rather than sensationalism. She often engages with the community, staging exhibitions for them before showcasing her work publicly.
In her series Inside (2011), Hernández documents the interiors of Mexican immigrant homes in New York, revealing the personal touches that transform a foreign space into a home. These images offer a poignant glimpse into the lives of those who contribute to the US economy.
The exhibition at CECUT is not just a display of photographs; it is an immersive experience designed by Adalberto Charvel, who has crafted the space to resemble a construction site, enhancing the theme of resilience and creativity inherent in Hernández's work.
Through "20 Years of Art _Under Construction_", Hernández provides a compassionate perspective on Tijuana, steering clear of the typical narratives associated with the city. Instead, she invites viewers to appreciate the daily lives of its most vulnerable residents and the unique spaces they inhabit.