04/10/2026
Honoring the Where We Stand Juror’s Choice Awardees
Two awards were presented at the opening of Where We Stand, recognizing work that powerfully embodies the exhibition’s exploration of place, resistance, and collective witness in the border region.
Nanzi Muro was honored for her composite work Abolish ICE, which presents black-and-white portraits of ten community activists, including herself, standing proudly holding signs on which they have written reflections and calls to action. Each participant is assigned a letter painted in red, collectively forming the title while emphasizing the urgency of speaking out and acting against inhumane immigration policies. The jurors noted how Muro’s piece creates “an apt metaphor for collective struggle, clearly pointing to the fact that people united make change.” These advocates have dedicated themselves to documenting and protecting the most vulnerable people in the San Diego-Tijuana region, including immigrants, refugees, and those held in detention centers.
Arianna Ytselle was recognized for work that embodies identity, resistance, reaffirmation, and the making visible of the invisible through photography. The jurors praised her ability to address the current moment by humanizing the migration experience amid widespread dehumanization and violence toward migrants, offering a powerful counter-narrative through the photographic image.
Both awards highlighted artists who used their cameras not merely to document but to advocate, resist, and affirm the dignity of those living in and moving through the border region.
Last chance to see Where We Stand — on view through April 11th at MCASD. Don’t miss it!
