Amelie V Rider

Description of proposed project:

“Over the Border: Mexico”

This show, with its cornerstone installation piece, "The Man (Prototype)" is loosely based on my many experiences driving over the border into Mexico over the past few years.

The area on the Mexican Baja that I have been visiting has suffered from the demoralizing effects of the cartels’ drug wars as well as the severe economic fall-out of the resulting drop in tourism. I want this work to call attention to not only the people who coexist with the border but the awe inspiring beauty of the Mexican Baja reminiscent of California 100 years ago.

I am submitting four paintings and one installation:

One painting is of a Nicaraguan immigrant girl, "Girl Immigrated."  The girl was my student earlier in 2013.  She represents a combination of gossamer vulnerability and sheer moxy.  Many immigrants who come over our Mexico border have come from Central American counties. When I met her she told me she did not feel beautiful in our "white bread-Barbie dominated high school. This broke my heart because I immediately saw something really special in her.

My "Ocean Barbed" and "Border" pieces were developed from my photo shoots while in Mexico.  "The Wall" was developed from a photo shoot in the Valle de Guadaloupe where I photographed various textures for inspiration.

My installation piece, "The Man (Prototype)" is the cornerstone to this series. My intention with this piece is to evoke a whimsical response while at the same time inducing a thought-provoking interpretation.   Among the interpretations is the actual flow of people over border and our illusion of the control.  Another interpretation could be our attempt of control of terrorist groups or (Mexican) drug cartels.

For exhibition, "The Man (Prototype)" an air blower will replace the popcorn machine.  The air blower will “pop” popcorn –some of which will fall, some of which will be “stopped but not controlled” by the hand, and some of which will continue to hover.  During exhibition, colored popcorn will represent "the people."  My ultimate intent for "The Man" is for it to be a large scale installation where viewers can feel a sense of interaction with the large pieces of "corn.

I am passionate about global issues.  Growing up, I lived in many places, including Europe for over six years and the Middle East for three years. I am currently an art teacher at Granite Bay High School in Granite Bay, CA.

contact me.