Migrants, Picnic Across the Border

In 2017, JR created a gigantic installation of a toddler named Kikito peeking over the border fence that separates the United States and Mexico. On the final day of the installation, JR organized a picnic that took place across both sides of the fence. Kikito, his family, and hundreds of guests from both the United States and Mexico came together to share a meal.

Everyone gathered around a long table that stretched across both sides of the fence. The table showed the eyes of a Dreamer - a term that describes undocumented immigrants who arrived in the United States as children. It was a joyous occasion as people passed food and tea back and forth and enjoyed the music of a mariachi band––half the ensemble played on each side of the fence. For a few hours, the division disappeared.

A border patrol officer shared tea with JR across the fence.