Defend & Advance is a temporary exhibit of 39 original artworks by 17 artists that celebrates the establishment of the National Immigration Law Center’s permanent art collection.

With broadly varied approaches and narratives, the artists in this exhibition explore current conditions of immigration and migration, displacement and labor, and struggle against society's collective amnesia. The artists are from a diverse range of geographic, political and social backgrounds. Considering their work in dialogue allows us not only to reflect on their differences but also to consider their shared concerns. The exhibit offers new perspectives on issues we may have previously thought familiar. The curation seeks to discover shared experiences that can be explored in conversation and used to promote intellectual and emotional engagement with the subjects being presented.


THE CURATOR

Renae Barnard is a multidisciplinary artist and curator. She holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from Claremont Graduate University. Barnard’s work has been shown at Shoshana Wayne Gallery, Harriet & Charles Luckman Gallery, Berkeley Art Center, Los Angeles Municipal Gallery and SOMArts Gallery. Recent curatorial projects include From Her, El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument. (March 2015). Almost Home, Claremont City Hall. (March 2015). Pathway Analysis, Claremont City Hall. (October 2014). Home Makers? Underground Tunnel, Los Angeles, CA (July 2014). Hamartia, Claremont City Hall. (April 2014). Barnard has been the recipient of the Armory Center for the Arts Teaching Artist Fellowship, Ahmanson Annual Fellowship, Christopher Street West Art & Culture Grant and the Lincoln Fellowship Award.