Having grown up crossing the border between San Diego and Tijuana every day for school, Aguiñiga uses her unique brand of craftivism to shed light on the lives of the many people who do this daily. Through her engagement with these commuters, Aguiñiga seeks to capture their stories, explore the complex issues they face, and create community amongst them. Her ongoing AMBOS Project (Art Made Between Opposite Sides), uses postcards and thread to literally and metaphorically tie together the US and Mexico, as well as the commuters she engages in the project. Collecting the stories of these people, Aguiñiga documents their lives, and puts a face on complicated issues like immigration and border security.
Aguiñiga’s furniture serves to support immigrants practically and conceptually. Made of comforting materials like felt and leather, Aguiñiga goes a step further by filling them with food staples like rice and salt. Aguiñiga’s use of fiber also serves to comfort and connect with the viewer. In her large installations in Craft & Care, Aguiñiga uses this tactile quality to draw us in, forcing us into greater intimacy with her subject matter and the community they represent. This is craftivism at its finest, both in her use of materials, her engagement with the community, and how the results captivate us. Aguiñiga weaves the stories of people who cross the border together, through thoughtful objects that intrigue the viewer.
