Border Rub
Performance + Video + Rubbing Sept. 20th, 2013. 11:30-12:30 Pm United States Port of Entry, San Ysidro, CA
On September 20th, 2013 from 11:30-12:30 pm, I took litho crayon rubbings of the bronze Seals of the Great United States of America at the San Ysidro/Tijuana Border. Dressed as a forensic scientist or anthropologist, the goal was to create an effect where the scene of the Great Seals of the United States installed in the world's largest border entrance was momentarily transformed into an archaeological dig. This performance was designed for the people who wait sometimes up to 3-4 hours to cross on foot into the U.S.
A series of exchanges between Customs and Border protection staff was required to receive clearance to loiter and to use video documentation within the San Ysidro Port of Entry, which is considered illegal. This gesture allowed documentation of the Port of Entry from a human scale, a site that largely has only been recorded by national security and cell phones.
An unexpected collaboration occurred due to equipment malfunction. One of the video cameras kept shutting off, so Angelica Decima, the Customs and Border Protections Public Relations officer became the temporary camera operator, documenting the performance.
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Concept/Performance: Kate Clark
Video: Ren Ebel, Angelica Decima
Customs and Border Protection Liason: Angelica Decima