Aliens or Immigrants? New Exhibit Channels Retro Sci-Fi to Tackle Modern Border Politics

A bold art exhibit that blends 1950s sci-fi aesthetics with sharp social commentary is currently on display in Las Cruces, NM. It Came from Beyond the Border, featuring the work of El Paso artist Angel Cabrales, is running at the Branigan Cultural Center, located at 501 N. Main St. in Downtown Las Cruces, through Saturday, September 21, 2024. The exhibit launched in July and continues to draw interest as it tackles contemporary immigration issues through a uniquely pop-culture lens.

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A Unique Take on Immigration and Pop Culture

Angel Cabrales is known for his innovative approach to addressing pressing social and political issues through art. In It Came from Beyond the Border, Cabrales draws inspiration from the eye-catching visuals of 1950s sci-fi B-movie posters to challenge current U.S. immigration policies. By exaggerating fears and biases using pop culture references, Cabrales creates a visual narrative that mirrors the hysteria of past eras while confronting modern anxieties about immigration.

Cabrales’ Tequila Sci-Fi Series, which began in 2016, serves as the foundation for this exhibit. The series was sparked by the rising hostility toward immigrants along the U.S./Mexico border. The artist uses the familiar language of retro sci-fi to highlight the absurdity of political rhetoric, drawing parallels between Cold War-era fears of nuclear mutants and current debates over immigration.

Cabrales says his work explores "the dehumanization of people through the politicization, marketing, and spin" that permeates everyday life. By presenting serious topics through the lens of nostalgic pop culture, his pieces invite viewers to reconsider the messages often consumed without question.

Upcoming Event: Spoken Word Open Mic – August 17

As part of the ongoing exhibit, the Branigan Cultural Center is hosting a dynamic after-hours event on Saturday, August 17: Featured Reading + Brief Open Mic from 6-8:30 p.m. Attendees can enjoy light refreshments while experiencing poetry, prose, song, and other creative performances. The event is in collaboration with members of The Barbed Wire Open Mic Series (A BorderSenses Event) from El Paso and will feature contributions from local community members.

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This event builds on a previous Ekphrastic Poetry Workshop held in July, which encouraged participants to draw inspiration from Cabrales’ artwork. The upcoming open mic provides a platform for those who attended the workshop, as well as new voices, to share their responses and engage in lively artistic expression.

About the Artist

Cabrales, a Borderlands multimedia artist, merges the engineering background of his father with the political activism of his mother to produce artwork that is both technically innovative and socially impactful. He currently serves as an Associate Professor of Sculpture at the University of Texas, El Paso, and has exhibited widely across the U.S. and Mexico. Cabrales also leads the EASSI (Engineering + Art + Science = Social Impact) team, a collective focused on community-driven projects that integrate art and science.

Visit the Exhibit

The Branigan Cultural Center is open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Admission is free, making it a perfect cultural outing for anyone interested in thought-provoking art. For more information, call (575) 541-2154.