Born in Ciudad Juárez and raised in El Paso’s Segundo Barrio, artist Francisco Delgado’s work is profoundly shaped by his life as a “Fronterizo” or “Bordeño.” His experiences living in both the United States and Mexico, observing and grappling with the two countries’ cultures, histories and struggles, have been instrumental in forming his binational identity, as well as how he perceives the world and expresses himself through his art. “In today's world, we find ourselves divided by political and moral ideologies,” Delgado says. “As an artist, I see it as my responsibility to capture and reflect the complexities of our time—documenting events and shedding light on the lived experiences of our communities.”
“The themes explored in this exhibition are reflective of the ongoing debates in both nations—issues I have witnessed and engaged with for as long as I can remember,”
Delgado’s darkly humorous satirical artworks probe questions of identity, race, cultural traditions, and government policies that affect migration and immigrants. His upcoming show at Hecho a Mano revolves around animal imagery that functions as powerful symbols to unlock deeper layers of meaning and emotional resonance, offering reflections of dynamics in the human world. “The themes explored in this exhibition are reflective of the ongoing debates in both nations—issues I have witnessed and engaged with for as long as I can remember,” Delgado says. “These topics are not only central to the exhibition but also resonate with the complexities of life along the border, where identities are constantly negotiated, and cultural lines are often blurred.”
By incorporating animal imagery into his work, Delgado crafts a visual space that invites viewers into a realm free from the preconceived notions and feelings of threat that tend to inform interactions between humans. Once drawn into the artwork, viewers are challenged to confront and resolve their own emotions, experiences, and personal challenges within the context of the current global landscape.
In creating these pieces, Delgado works with a wide range of media, which allows him to “move fluidly between different spaces.” Because the dimensionality of the border is central to Delgado’s work, his use of diverse media reflects the dynamic and porous topography he envisions. “The ability to navigate between various environments in both the United States and Mexico is a key element of my creative process, influencing the evolution of my work,” he says.
The show will include traditional canvas oil paintings, lithographs and drawings, alongside "non-traditional" mixed-media works that combine spray paint with colored pencil and acrylic paint on paper. “Over time, I’ve discovered a unique harmony between these materials, enabling me to work with natural fluidity,” Delgado says. Combining these techniques often results in pieces that appear like soft pastel paintings, yet still retain the durability and permanence of more classical mediums, allowing him to “experiment and innovate while maintaining the integrity of more time-honored artistic practices.”
Delgado’s vibrant artwork represents his community’s history, strengths, and collective challenges, creating a space for dialogue directed towards social change. His work strives to elevate marginalized voices and promote regional interconnectivity as a bicultural and binational resilient community. The desire to represent and empower his community is the motivation that drives his artistic practice: “Bordeños inspire my artistic process and are the lead protagonists in the works that visually represent my extraordinary community,” Delgado says.
Animales de Carga will open at Hecho a Mano on Friday, June 6 and will be on view until June 30, 2025.