Harries/Heder Public Art

Border Garden Temporary Installation, Two Sites

Installation - Headlights Off

Location:	San Diego:6/90-8/90, Boston 10/90-11/90
Client:	The La Jolla Museum and M.I.T. List Art Center
Size:	16' x 16' x 8'
Materials:	Plastic, wood, sponges and other miscellaneous recycled materials, copper piping, and rose heads, automobile headlights, water
Budget:	$2,000

Satellite Intelligence
Border Garden was created especially for the exhibition when it opened in La Jolla in June, 1990, reflecting the community of San Diego. The cricket sound tape and sudden headlights which surround the colorful garden refer to the nocturnal vigilantes; self-appointed border guards who park along the Mexican-American line to shine their headlights on illegal immigrants caught in the act of crossing. The viewer is placed in the position of victim.

The thirsty garden also refers to the critical issues of water conservation and recycling which are particularly acute in San Diego County. The sponges and buckets refer to the Mexican cleaning ladies who cross the border to work in San Diego.

Detail - Buckets of Water

Installation - Headlights On

The recycled items (all found in La Jolla) represent the desert, where many immigrants sleep at night, carrying in their water and provisions in plastic jugs. The garden references formal English border gardens and the lack of negotionation regarding border issues in San Diego.

All Photos by Beckett Logan

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