2501 Migrants: A Journey

Airs Monday, September 27, 2010 at 10:30 p.m. on KPBS TV

Friday, September 24, 2010

Credit: Petate Productions/ American Public Televison

Above: Oaxacan artist Alejandro Santiago (pictured working on clay sculptures) returned to his village after a decade living abroad, only to find abandoned houses, empty streets and deserted farm fields. In response, he created a monumental installation art piece comprised of 2,501 life-size clay sculptures, each representing a migrant who left his village.

"2501 Migrants: A Journey" explores questions of art and indigenous community in the context of global migration. The documentary chronicles the personal experience of Oaxacan artist Alejandro Santiago. After more than a decade living abroad, Santiago returned to his village, only to find a virtual ghost town of abandoned houses, empty streets and deserted farm fields. Santiago's sense of emptiness inspired him to search for answers through his art. In response, he created "2501 Migrants," a monumental installation art piece comprised of 2,501 life-size clay sculptures, with each statue symbolizing a migrant who left his village.

"2501 Migrants: A Journey" is on Facebook.

Preview: 2501 Migrants: A Journey

Each day, thousands of primarily poor and young Mexicans abandon their native homes in search of jobs and the promise of a brighter economic future. In their wake, they leave behind the hollow footprints of a cultural and domestic abandonment. "2501 Migrants: A Journey" explores questions of art and indigenous community in the context of global migration. The documentary chronicles the personal experience of Oaxacan artist Alejandro Santiago.

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