UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The HUB-Robeson Galleries present "Hostile Terrain 94 Wayfinding Experience," an interactive, nine-station experience through the first floor of the HUB-Robeson Center. This experience will be open to the public from Nov. 9 through Nov. 20.  

"Hostile Terrain 94" is an on-going, traveling exhibition organized by the Undocumented Migration Project, a participatory art project that brings awareness to the humanitarian crisis occurring at the U.S./Mexico border.

The wayfinding experience will include augmented-reality experiences; personal stories regarding the hostile terrain of the Sonoran desert; information on the Undocumented Migrant Project; community reflections; and will culminate at the "Hostile Terrain 94" exhibition in Art Alley of the HUB-Robeson Center. To access the information at each stop scan the QR codes. 

"Hostile Terrain 94" is composed of individual toe tags representing thousands of migrants who have lost their lives traveling through the Sonoran Desert of Arizona since the 1990s, a result of the Prevention Through Deterrence policy implemented during the Clinton administration. Each tag was completed by students, faculty, staff and community members participating in the project and is partnered with a red pin, geolocated on a wall map at the exact location that individual’s remains were found.  

On Nov. 12 and 13, flowers will be placed under the exhibit as a way to memorialize the lives that have been lost. If you would like to reserve a flower in your name and leave a message to be included, fill out this form.

Delphine Aibel, art education intern with the HUB-Robeson Galleries, described the piece as “not just a scale model of our southern border, but a collective of strong people who deserve to be remembered, even if we don’t know their names.” Contributors that have worked to assemble the exhibit have been truly touched by the installation process and by the lives that the toe tags represent, said Aibel.

Aibel described the experience as "an opportunity to imagine how these migrants felt and to learn about what they’ve endured. It’s the closest way to putting ourselves into their situations, so at the end, participants can walk away with more empathy and awareness of these tragic realities." 

The experience is short, yet impactful, providing an active and reflective way for visitors to grow in their understanding of migrant lives, reflect on the hardships of others and experience the piece on a personal level, said Aibel.

Due to COVID-19 protocols, all guests are required to wear a mask. Stations will be placed at least six feet apart, but it’s asked that patrons keep further distance whenever possible. All stations are accessible via QR codes or mobile phones to reduce touching surfaces.

For more information on upcoming events and exhibitions, contact the HUB-Robeson Galleries at galleries@psu.edu or 814-865-2563, or visit the website.

For more information, contact Kade Crittenden, graduate student in master of higher education administration, at kzc5745@psu.edu.