Gateways/Portales: Interview with Cornelio Campos

Cornelio Campos, a self-taught artist and activist from Cheran, Michoacan (Mexico), talked about his family and where they lived; growing up in Mexico; when and why he left Mexico; his arrival in the United States; and his first impression of the United States and Durham, North Carolina. He talked about his work as a farm laborer when he arrived in North Carolina; the availability of traditional food; the relationships and other things that helped make Durham feel like home; and how Durham has changed since his arrival. In regards to his art, Campos talked about when he started painting; what influences his work; his artistic style; the importance of incorporating social justice into his art; and how his art is received by Mexicans, Latinos, and non-Latinos. Themes found in Campos' art include Mexico versus migration, immigration, life in Mexico, citizenship, work in the field, the American Dream, cultural relations and conflicts between the United States and Mexico, and Mexican culture. Campos also talked about what makes him happy, proud; lessons he has learned; what he does for fun; and how often he visits his home in Mexico. Clips of this interview were included in the 'Foodways' and 'Making Home and Constructing Communities' sections of the exhibition.

Interview. Related to exhibition 'Gateways/Portales.' The MP4 video files are grouped with related SMI files, PPN files, XML documents, and BIM files. Dated 20160322.