When Mexico finally takes over the United States (editor's note: already happened!), historians will look back on the fence separating California from Mexico as folk art. Seriously, ever seen it? The Mexican side is filled with memorials, graffiti, posters, murals—critics would treasure it on the same level as the Watts Towers if it wasn't created by a bunch of Mexicans.
In this spirit comes “The Great Wall of Chinga,” the latest exhibit at the Orange County Center for Contemporary Art. Mexican artists from both sides of la frontera offer their take on the Scar of the Southwest, often to hilarious, poignant results. David Rosales inverts the sleeping Mexican stereotype by imagining him as a resting boxer, while Sergio Hernandez imagines Mexicans building the proposed extension that will do what the current fence does—absolutely nothing. Fourteen other artists participate. So, go see what the fuss is about . . . or at least pay someone else a pittance to check it out for you.
“The Great Wall of Chinga” at the Orange County Center for Contemporary Art, 117 N. Sycamore St., Santa Ana, (714) 667-1517; www.occca.org. Open Thurs. N Sun., noon-5 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., noon-9 p.m. Through June 28. Free.
