Opening: Francisco Delgado: Animales de Cargo

Francisco Delgado: Animales de Cargo
On view: June 6–June 30, 2025
Opening reception: Friday, June 6 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm

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.”

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.”