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New San Diego Public Library Gallery Show Breaks Barriers with Cross-Border Artists

Cassette player at art exhibition

A new exhibition is open in the art gallery at the City of San Diego’s Central
Library, featuring works created by artists who have lived and worked in Tijuana, Mexico, and San Diego.
“Occupy Thirdspace II: Plástica y Palabra en TJ/SD” examines the history of the relationship between the
visual arts and language from the late 1980s to the present.

“The artworks in this exhibition explore the complex relationship between contemporary art
practice and ‘palabra’ (word),” said curator Sara Solaimani. “From alphabets to text to phonic
elements, each artwork engages audiences in a unique exchange using many new visual and aural
languages.”

The exhibition, which opened on Feb. 19, is a mixed-media collection of contemporary art including
soundscapes, projections, installation pieces and two-dimensional framed art. It features works by
several artists including David Ávalos, Elizabeth Sisco, Louis Hock and Omar Pimienta.

“This show was important to bring to the library’s visual arts program as an effort to engage in
dialogue with our colleagues across the border who are an important part of our region.” said
Library Arts and Culture Exhibitions Manager Bonnie Domingos. “Ultimately, this show is about
transborder art practices that address historical revision and seeks to bridge and transcend
barriers.”

The exhibition will be on display through May 2, 2022 and is free to the public. An opening reception will
be held on Feb. 19 from 6 – 8 p.m. on the Dome Terrace at the Central Library and will feature a live
performance by musical group Sonidero Travesura. For Central Gallery hours and more information, visit
the library’s Art and Culture Exhibitions website.