Denver artist Tony Ortega has long been renowned for chronicling the richness of the Hispanic experience. He utilizes his signature style of bold coloration, simplified forms, anonymous figures and cultural icons to explore community life, family, urban and rural sectors, youth culture, popular culture and cultural politics. Paramount in his artistic intent is the discovery of the relationship between humans and their circumstances. In a country where demographics are rapidly changing, issues of multiculturalism and hybridity are tantamount. Much of this exhibition deals with those who have crossed and continue to cross the borders, to secure a better life, obtain work, and to ensure the welfare and safety of their families. To Ortega the border is porous, with layered implications.

Through monotypes, serigraphs, charcoal drawings and a mural installation we get a glimpse of the melding of histories, traditions, culture and politics of our ever expanding and diversified population. Additionally, Ortega will create murals in collaboration with students from "I Have A Dream" Foundation of Boulder County and The Family Learning Center. Following their display at BMoCA during the exhibition, the murals will be on view at the Boulder Public Library and Denver Public Library. This exhibition is organized in connection with the Denver Biennial of the Americas 2010. Additional support comes from the Boulder Arts Commission and the Kevin Luff Family Fund.