Lorena Molina

At What Cost?

Embroidered duotone photographic tapestries in walnut frames
Edition of 4 tapestry photographs
Artisans: Women of Casa de Paz

Molina presents sites where governors like Greg Abbott (TX) and Ron DeSantis (FL) have exploited vulnerable migrant populations to advance political positions against immigration. The work critiques American ideals of safety and freedom, asking who benefits from these convictions and who pays the price.

The artisans who embroidered this edition work with Casa de Paz, an organization supporting Latine women and children who are survivors of domestic violence. These artisans gained employment through the production of a series that addresses issues they have faced as immigrants.

Embroidery by Marelin Cruz, Elia Martinez, Fabiola Rodriguez, Jetzabel Rojas, and Raquel Sotelo.

Lorena Molina is a Salvadoran multidisciplinary artist, educator, and curator, currently an Assistant Professor of Studio Art Practice at San Francisco State University. Through photography, video, performance, and installation, Molina explores identity, intimacy, and spatial inequalities, informed by her family's displacement during El Salvador's civil war. She founded Third Space Gallery in Cincinnati, a community gallery supporting BIPOC artists. Exhibited at the Contemporary Art Center Cincinnati, Kemper Museum, and Carnegie Museum.

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