This project uses as a reference the genealogy tree, and invites the public to provide input on their own family ties. Through a collaborative survey, emotional data gathered, a subjective version of the family tree is created. The project rethinks family relationships; closeness, affinity, love and proximity are used to trace a new version of the ancestry chart.
Family ties, regardless of whether biological or non-biological grow mostly due to proximity, time and nurturing. However, the tie seems to be an intangible action made by the superposition of individual elements rather than the unification of them.
Carolina Borja was born in San Diego California, and lived in the border city of Tijuana before establishing in Mexico City. Borja studied Industrial Design with a minor in Mexican Folk Art. Her work meets at an intersection of sculpture, public art, and Mexican craft. She incorporates urban and craft elements; papier-mâché, tissue paper, crepe paper, thread, concrete, wood, and cartonería, often reflecting on topics such as urban mobility, growth and cross-culture.
Borja has exhibited in Minneapolis, Houston and Mexico City. Borja has participated in temporary public art commissions including “Alebrijes” for the MFAH, “Time-Less” for the City of Sugar Land “Ambulantes” for the Alley Theatre, and an immersive installation at ArtPrize Grand Rapids, Michigan titled “Constructing on Deconstructing”.