FATHER AND CHILD II, 2025

“This work is inspired by the tragic death of 25-year-old Salvadoran migrant Oscar Alberto Martinez Ramirez and his nearly 2-year-old daughter, Valeriawhodrowned trying to cross border and enterUSAfor asylum. The photowaspublished by the Mexican newspaper and went viral on social media, shows a migrant and his less than 2-year-old daughter lying face down in the murky waters on the Mexican side of the Rio Grande. The girl’s right arm rests across the back of her father’s neck.The image encapsulated the grim reality of the border amid the growing desperation of migrants fleeing poverty and crime in Central America and elsewhere who are willing to face great dangers —at times with children —for a shot at a better life in the United States.

“When I saw the photo, I couldn’t stop thinking about it, the tragedy as well as the relationship of father and daughter who were holding on to each other even after death. This also reminded me of a beautiful relationship my husband haswith our daughter,so I decided to carve their shoes to depict their bond as well as all the difficult decisions and journeys fatherstake to give better life to their children.

“I carved worn down work sneakers of father to represent journey and challenges of life and red fancy shoes of daughter to represent love and hope for better life.”

— Humaira Abid