Caballos de fuerza
January 24 – February 4, 2023
Reception: Friday, January 27th, 5-7pm

A new exhibit at the Strata Gallery depicts the Border Patrol’s use of force against migrants. Caballos de fuerza is the gallery’s first solo show of 2023, featuring New Mexico-based artist Adrian Aguirre. The exhibition opens January 24th, with a special reception on January 27th from 5-7pm.

Caballos de fuerza brings together a series of paintings and drawings that are mostly inspired by the widely-circulated photographs of the Border Patrol’s pursuit of Haitian migrants near Del Rio in 2021. Aguirre says his work aims “to transcend pure documentary and speak about the power dynamics in the governmental policy that deals with migrants and refugees with threats of violence and imprisonment.”

Adrian Aguirre is an emerging artist who was recently selected as one of the “12 New Mexico Artists to Know Now” by Southwest Contemporary magazine and featured in Western Art and Architecture. His work advocates for a more humanitarian immigration policy.

Aguirre is himself an immigrant who grew up in El Paso and Ciudad Juarez. He received a BFA from New Mexico State University and an MFA from the University of North Texas. 

Masks required.

Adrian Aguirre, Manman ak pitit gaso, Oil on Gessoed Paper, 62” x 48” 2022