Conversations on migration in literature and visual arts

Conversations on migration is precisely what its name suggests: a conversation. It constitutes an open dialogue between academics and creators that touches upon the manyfold ways in which literature, documentary, and visual arts depict one of the most visible, and often misunderstood, phenomena of our time: migration. The main focus of these works are the interactions that take place at the Mexican-American border. Through the pages of this book, the reader will discover that borders expand far beyond the lines that are visible on maps. Consequently, the relationships that emerge in these spaces are far more complex than what is shown in the media. Rampant violence, anger, and frustration are often met, and overlap, with demonstrations of solidarity, love, and hope. In a similar way, languages do not exist statically on each side of the border. They clash, mix, and influence each other on every level on a daily basis. The format of this book intends to reflect these interactions: just as in real life, English and Spanish share the limited physical space of these pages. In no particular order, some texts are written in the former and some in the latter, but all of them inevitably refer, in one way or another, to the other language.