Murders in Ciudad Juarez--Art and Video

If you know one thing about 2666, it's probably that the plot circles around the murders of hundreds of women that have occurred in Ciudad Juarez on the U.S./Mexico border. Bolano's novel isn't the only recent art to consider the meaning of these grotesque events and the (post-)urban environment that seems to be a part of their cause.

As I mentioned earlier, there's another new novel exploring this issue. There's also a new art exhibit in New York City considering it.

Most visitors stumble upon the unmarked gallery, where a small framed note on the wall invites them into the raw basement to see the piece. Shabby stairs lead viewers underground and one cannot help but be submerged in the somber mood of the installation. Such a departure from a safe guarded gallery in the rest of Chelsea drastically changes the usual gallery experience. The installation includes sound recordings by Watson, shrine elements and an intricate cut out portrait of Silvia Elena by Swoon.

For those who, like me, can't be in NYC to see the exhibit, have a look at this video: