What Lies Beneath proposes a journey through territories of becoming, where identities emerge as fluid processes in constant transformation. The exhibition weaves together works that explore the body as a sensitive archive, as a space of memory and metamorphosis, where gestures and performative actions appear as strategies of transformation. Repetition and ritual traverse the exhibition: from imperceptible footprints to traces of movement etched in mirrors, creating a dialogue where the strange becomes familiar and the boundaries between body and matter blur.
On February 23rd, there will be a standalone performance by Iván Sikic titled ‘ICE, ICE BABY’, where Sikic questions the escalating immigration policies enforced under President Donald Trump’s administration. Recent policies have intensified deportations, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducting widespread raids in major U.S. cities, including Miami (ass reported by Reuters). These operations have led to the detention of hundreds of undocumented individuals, instilling fear and uncertainty within immigrant communities.
For eight hours—the duration of a typical workday—Sikic inscribes phrases like ‘yo hablo español’ and ‘I speak English’ every 27 minutes, mirroring the rate at which ICE deported individuals during Trump’s previous term: 27 deportations per hour. This repetitive act emphasizes the relentless and systematic nature of these deportations. The alternating use of Spanish (Sikic’s mother tongue) and English reflects the dual identities many immigrants navigate, shedding light on their cultural and social contributions to the United States.
The work’s title, ‘ICE, ICE Baby’, draws on both the name of the federal agency responsible for immigration enforcement, and the 1990 hit song by Vanilla Ice. This layered reference highlights the cold,
rigid nature of current immigration policies, while simultaneously pointing to the intersection of popular culture and political discourse. Adding a layer of irony, Vanilla Ice has performed at events linked to Trump, including a New Year’s Eve party at Mar-a-Lago, underscoring how cultural icons can become entwined with and reflective of broader political narratives.
By carrying out this action, Sikic offers a poignant commentary on the human impact of immigration policies, inviting viewers to reflect on the complexities of identity and belonging. Through this eight-hour endurance piece, the artist not only addresses the systematic deportation efforts but also echoes the labor, resilience, and perseverance inherent in the immigrant experience
Iván Sikic’s (Lima, b.1983) work challenges oppression and greed across various mediums, including performances, site-specific installations like LOOT, public interventions such as HONORING THE TREATIES, and land art like BREACH. His practice spans locations from New York to Peru, Australia, Europe, and the Caribbean, with a focus on endurance, silence, and the passage of time, always aiming to resist exploitation and injustice. Rooted in resilience and hope, Sikic’s work offers quiet defiance against forces of greed and oppression.
Open to all visitors from 11—4 pm. Progressive Art Brunch brings together participating galleries several Sundays throughout the year. The event highlights the current programming at each venue and enables visitors a more intimate look at the exhibitions on view.
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