The Borderlands RAVE Exhibit Now Showing

By Barry Hulse
Contributing Writer

In 2008 we spent an average of 3.9 million dollars per mile on pedestrian fencing along the southern border with Mexico. We spent, on average, one million dollars per mile on vehicle fencing. We built 18 miles of secondary fences at an average cost of two million dollars per mile. But that has not been the only cost.

On April 3, 2008, thirty-eight separate laws were waived, under the direction of the Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, in order to build new sections of border walls. Here are just some of the acts that are now being ignored in order to keep adding to the border wall: Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, American Indian Religious Freedom Act, Religious Freedom Restoration Act, Compensation and Liability Act, Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act, Antiquities Act, Historic Sites Act, Buildings and Antiquities Act, and the Safe Drinking Water Act.

In Vermillion, S.D., there is a unique opportunity to learn more on this issue that is being discussed across the country.

The nationally recognized photography art show “Continental Divide: Borderlands, Wildlife, People, and the Wall” is a touching and beautiful display of over 30 photographs taken by eight photographers from the International League of Conservation Photographers.

The large photographs are currently on display at the Washington Street Art Museum in Vermillion, South Dakota. This is the only scheduled showing of this exhibit for the entire Upper Midwest area; and one well worth the trek. The art show will be on display from Sept. 21 through Oct. 14. The closing reception will be from 7-9 pm on Oct. 14.  Funding for this program is provided by the South Dakota Humanities Council, Sierra Club, La Voz Hispana Magazine, and the Sioux Falls Hispanic Association.

It is led by the Mexican Marine biologist and photographer, Cristina Goettsch Mittermeier, who also happens to be the president of the International League of Conservation Photographers (ILCP). This art show, also known as The Borderlands Rave Exhibit, brings to life the struggles of our borderlands, wildlife, and people living along the sections of wall between Mexico and the United States.  RAVE stands for Rapid Assessment Visual Expedition.

“The ILCP sent a team of world-renowned photographers, with writers, filmmakers and scientists to the borderlands of the United States and Mexico to document the wildlife, ecology, and effect of immigration and the border wall on this landscape. This region is a shared conservation treasure of international importance that harbors some of the most bio-diverse landscapes on the continent. Many species here are found nowhere else in the U.S. and nowhere else in Mexico, and some are found nowhere else on Earth.”

Given today’s concerns about “border security,” it is enlightening to view the exhibit online at http://www.ilcp.com, “Borderland Rave Exhibit”, if you can’t make the trip. You might also want to google some of the photographers involved. The list is impressive. Here are just some: Jeff Foott, Wyo.; Wendy Shattil, Colo.; Kevin Shafer, Wash.; Jack Dykinga, Ariz.; Chris Linder, Mass.; Ian Shive,  Calif.; Krista Schlyer, Washington DC; Cristina Mittermeier, Mexico.

The exhibit debuted April 29, 2010 on Capitol Hill in Washington DC. The goal: to expand the general public’s knowledge, inform lawmakers about the borderlands, and ensure that environmental issues and needs of local people are considered before construction of any further sections of the border wall.

The Borderlands RAVE Exhibit is a dramatic representation of the environmental impact that the wall has on animal migration and the struggles that individuals have on both sides of the wall. Thirteen photographers and scientists traveled 2000 miles documenting the images presented in the exhibit.

Since the border walls were built, well over 5,000 migrant bodies have been recovered in U.S. deserts, mountains and canals. Some unofficial reports put the death toll as high as 10,000 men, women and children.

Since the push for increased border security, additions to the border wall have increased the distance people must travel to cross into the US. With the increased distance also comes increased danger and travel through harsher terrain. 

The film “800 Mile Wall” will be shown at the closing reception on Oct. 14. This 90-minute film is an unflinching look at failed U.S. border strategies that many believe have caused the death of thousands of migrants and violated fundamental human rights.

The film, directed by John Carlos Frey, a native of Mexico, is just one on the list of recommended viewing for those who want to get a grasp on border issues and people. Frey’s directorial debut, “The Gatekeeper,” garnered critical acclaim as well as ten national and international film festival awards. It is currently in DVD distribution through Universal Home Video and has been translated into multiple languages and seen world-wide.

In 2006 Mr. Frey completed “The Invisible Mexicans of Deer Canyon” which is an in-depth look at migrant life in wealthy southern California. He spent over a year visiting and living among the Mexican migrants of Deer Canyon that live outdoors in third world conditions among some of the most expensive real estate in America.

In 2007 Frey completed the follow up film to “Invisible Mexicans of Deer Canyon” entitled, “The Invisible Chapel” and, in 2008, Frey offered “One Border, One Body,” documenting the annual Day of the Dead Mass celebrated on the border between El Paso, Texas and Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua.

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If You Go

What: Borderlands RAVE Exhibit
Where: Washington Street Art Museum, Vermillion, S.D.
When: Through Oct 14
Info: 605.624.9279