Frontera Regionalism

In my artistic practice, I use both traditional and non-traditional materials to illuminate the often underrepresented geographic and cultural narratives of South Texas, a region deeply shaped by the complexities of the U.S.-Mexico frontera. I will begin my presentation sharing the context for my body of work and its engagement with borderland histories before transitioning into my latest research on historical patents developed for farm workers. While examining local imagery in the Portal to Texas History and the Library of Congress, I discovered a range of patents designed for laborers. However, these inventions primarily prioritize efficiency and productivity over the health and well-being of the workers themselves—reflecting the broader economic forces that have historically shaped the frontera.This exploration raises critical questions about techno-capitalism and racialized labor structures, where innovation often serves the interests of capital rather than the workers themselves. Were these inventors genuinely concerned with worker safety, or were they simply aiming to create faster more efficient machines? In my presentation, I will provide insights into my research, share selected works, and discuss my artwork from the series To All Whom It May Concern—a title derived from the opening line of many historical patents issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.