"Immigration: A Transfusion to the Body Politic" explores the tension between the individual's urge for self-affirmation and the longing to establish connection with the universe.

The exhibition and the panel discussions, events and education programs, stretching from July through October, will probe underlying values and principles regarding immigration. They will explore the relationship of the individual to the group since the beginnings of recorded history and at the same time look at reasons for immigration, current federal immigration policy, and the impact of immigration in American society.

The show will feature works by Barbara Strasen and Luis Moreno.

Strasen's paintings portray immigration tension beginning with the rudimentary evolution of life in the plant and animal kingdoms, and intensifying as life evolves into more and more complex forms and of greater biotic and geographic diversification. By symbolizing images from our collective daily lives and those from our mythological and anthropological past, Strasen has hit upon a strategy that allows her to probe the mysteries of memory, time and social order. Her technique employs a delicacy that enables the viewer to shift focus from the cosmos to the individual and back again. She creates visual time capsules on canvas, depicting everyday images of contemporary life amid the evolutionary process.

In concert with Strasen's work is that of her protege, Luis Moreno, whose paintings depict intimate moments of migratory necessity, a clutching at the past in the spirit of hope for the future.

Their combined works illuminate complexities of change and personal and social responsibility. The artists' open-minded confrontation inspires a broad yet humane approach to meeting the challenges of our times.

The Institute of Genetic Medicine Art Gallery is proud to present "Immigration: Transfusion for the Body Politic."

Opening Reception
Thursday, July 10, 6-8 p.m.