For this second part to his critically acclaimed video Octopus (2011), Yoshua Okón has created a multi-channel video installation centering on anti-immigration protests against unaccompanied children that are fleeing violence and poverty from Central America into the United States. Produced during Okón’s residency at the ASU Art Museum International Artist Residency Program, Oracle was inspired by Okón’s experiences in Oracle, Arizona, where he spoke to protest leaders to create a live reenactment of the event, bringing into question perceptions of reality and truth.
This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Museums for America Grant Number MA-20-14-0236-14. Oracle is part of the Contact Zones series of exhibitions at the ASU Art Museum, which focuses on contemporary migration and its intricate uncertainties within border culture, destiny and contested histories. The series includes new commission-based video installations, public engaged programs, guest-curated exhibitions and artist initiated projects.
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