New CaixaForum exhibition challenges modern borders amid global conflicts

As the world watches wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and with other less-reported but equally deadly conflicts in places like Myanmar and Sudan, borders have become more relevant than ever.

A new exhibition, 'From the Border', which opens today at Barcelona's CaixaForum, explores the complexities of borders. The show features eight contemporary artworks that aim to demonstrate that we live in a world with more borders than ever: some physical, others invisible through politics, technology, or social discourse.

Featuring works by Vanessa Beecroft, Pep Duran, Asier Mendizabal, Annette Messager, Paulo Nazareth, Francesc Torres, Isidoro Valcárcel Medina, and Akram Zaatari, 'From the Border' seeks to rethink the concept of borders and stimulate public debate.

The exhibition's curator, Mey Huang, a Chinese professor, researcher and writer based in Barcelona, says the collection also examines the resurgence of nationalism and far-right movements, challenging the notion of a borderless world heralded by globalization.

"We wanted to reflect on what is happening in Ukraine or Gaza, for example, and see how these cross-border conflicts affect our lives," she said in an interview with the Catalan News Agency (ACN).

Using geographical elements such as flags and maps, the exhibition explores the importance of borders in history, the value of national symbols, and the relationship between countries. It also explores religion, lifestyles, and the beliefs that are connected to borders.

"People may think that art cannot change the world like technology or science, but I think it can raise awareness," says Huang, who hopes the exhibition will spark conversations about uncomfortable but important topics.

'From the Border', says the curator, is very diverse, with a plural interpretation of borders, and the works establish a dialogue between them. The exhibition presents different artistic interpretations of what borders are and invites visitors to participate in its definition.

The exhibition is open until June 24, with tickets starting at 6€, at the CaixaForum in Montjuïc, open every day.