Their artwork was a collaboration that started in December of 2007 and that can finally be seen at the museum, but you will not find it hanging on a wall. Actually, you might confuse it with a foosball table that’s in the museum to entertain visitors, because that’s exactly what it is, a foosball table. But, it’s no ordinary foosball table, it’s “The Immigration Cup 2008”, a game which puts immigration opponents on opposite sides as “Team U.S.A.” against “Team Mexico” that contains some stereotypical Hispanic immigrants as players in this battle about a topic that stirs up people in both neighboring countries.
“This game has a lot in common with the immigration debate because it’s back and forth, back and forth,” explained Juan Compean, “imagine the ball as an immigrant that’s going through many obstacles to get to the border, or better yet to prosperity, and make money to support his family members and loved ones. That’s why we chose this foosball table to take a snapshot of what the immigration topic was like this year.”
The foosball table contains different “players” that include people who take part in both sides of the immigration debate. What both teams have in common are their goalies and last line of defense who represent politicians and businessmen that wear black suits, ties and top hats, since they are the ones who benefit the most on both sides.
“They make their deals; they send their businesses to different places where pay is not good, and workers are taken advantage of. That’s why many people leave Mexico, American companies take these jobs to Mexico and don’t pay well, sometimes people are working in bad conditions and that’s why they come over here, because they pay them better,” said Juan.
At the front of the debate there are characters such as Ronald McDonald which represents the money that business has made in Mexico. And there’s also the American rock artist who has infiltrated the Aztec country with its music and benefited financially. On the Mexican side, the “luchador” (Mexican wrestler) has also come to become part of American culture by starring in popular movies and cartoons. Almost half of the Latin music that’s sold in the United States is regional Mexican, and that’s why it’s represented as a little foosball doll with its cowboy hat and Mexican cowboy attire.
“There’s many players who have left their mark on the immigration debate for example the Arizona sheriff, Joe Arpaio, who is very controversial in apprehension of illegals. There is Elvira Arellano who came to be the face of immigration when she took sanctuary in a church here in Chicago,” Juan explains, “They play their role in the debate.”
And just like the ball on the table, his grandfather and father bounced back between Mexico and the United States and as children of an American citizen, Juan and Ricardo are the result of immigration just like their work of art.
These brothers deal with this serious topic in a fun way that for a moment may bring feeling of happiness and a smile to your face in an exhibition that can create sadness. Just a few feet away from the area where their work of art is displayed is a blanket, made of pieces of clothing and fabric that’s been found at the border where immigrants have crossed. Another piece of art shows pictures of immigrants doing tough jobs dressed as superheroes. Another one represents the American cartoon G.I. Joe as G.I. Jose and it creates awareness of the contribution of Hispanic immigrants in the American armed forces. There are more photos of Hispanic families, giant passport photos and the artwork of more that 70 different artists of different backgrounds who contribute in many ways to this exhibit in place until Sept.7.
The exhibit has caught the attention of national media such as the New York Times and the Washington Post. Juan and Ricardo Compean have seen their work of art on news channels in Chicago and Juan was even interviewed for National Public Radio in which he challenged anti-immigrant TV host Lou Dobbs to a game of foosball. “I would like all of those who have a problem with immigration or with anyone else to come and resolve their problem here, and that’s it. Leave it alone!” Juan said. “What I would like to see every time that someone has to address their immigration status case (in court) is for them to play against an American there and if they win they stay if they lose then let’s go.”
“This is a way of seeing something that brings out so such strong emotions from people in a not so serious manner,” Juan said.
ONLINE:
For more information on Ricardo and Juan Compean and their work “Immigration Cup 2008” log on to www.13por13.com.
For information on the “A Declaration on Immigration Exhibit” and the National Museum of Mexican Art log on to www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org.
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