‘Mass Sanctuaries’ exhibition turns art into refuge for immigrant communities

In uncertain times, what does sanctuary look like?

Mass Sanctuaries, a new art exhibition opening April 18 at Acción Latina, offers a bold affirmation: no matter where we’re from, we are already home.

“Creating a safe environment where people can share without fear is a vulnerable and beautiful thing,” said Jennifer Velasquez Mendoza, an exhibition contributor. “Now more than ever, we need to support our community of immigrants, our neighbors.”

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In a cultural moment filled with fear-mongering and deep uncertainty for Latinx and immigrant communities, sanctuary evokes a vital sense of refuge. A moment to breathe instead of holding one’s breath.

“The work itself becomes a sanctuary,” adds artist Mabel Valdiviezo. “Both in the act of art-making that radiates dignity and healing, and in the viewer’s experience, where emotions of safety and belonging are absorbed and released.”

An open call for submissions yielded more than 70 works, the majority by immigrants or first-generation Americans. Over half of the selected pieces were created by women. Each artist’s unique expressions of sanctuary become part of a banquet that enables us to more fully imagine what sanctuary can taste like for all.

The exhibition unfolds in three parts. The first wall centers on family, grounding the immigrant experience in a broader relational context with elders, children, and loved ones near and far. More than thirty pieces include personal photographs: fathers holding children, people dancing, and snapshots of joy, honor and everyday life. “Our elders provide us with solace, kindness, and wisdom,” said artist Luis Garcia, “in knowing that our strength lies with each other.”

At the heart of the gallery, a central wall proclaims Mass Sanctuary, with works that explore how refuge can be physical, emotional, or symbolic.

The final wall looks forward, toward both challenge and hope. Some pieces grapple with the dangers of a surveillance state, while others dream boldly: families reunited, surrealist joy and scenes of collective care. “The story doesn’t end here,” said co-curator Rebeca Flores. Through color, texture, and imagination, the art reflects where we are, and where we might go.

As a closing message, Mass Sanctuaries tells the story of our responsibility to one another and imagines a future more vibrant and hopeful than what we see now.

In the words of co-curator Rebeca Abidaíl Flores: “If we must run it will be to go into the arms of our families to reunite, if we tremble it will be to dance to the sound of the welcome drums, and if we are to kneel down, it will be to honor the planting of the first fruit tree of our new home.”

Mass Sanctuaries, runs from April 10 through May 9 at Acción Latina (2958 24th St.).

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Mass Sanctuaries

Curators
Rebeca Abidaíl Flores
Fátima Ramirez