Gustavo Vazquez’s research interest explores cross-cultural visual studies and video design. Vazquez’s interest in border issues and identity has led to a series of independent and collaborative works. His experience of crossing borders has left an imprint offering a personal perspective and access to contemporary ethnographic projects. In many regards, his work reflects both a rooted foundation in negotiating polarity between cultures. In his work we find a conceptual fusion of the opposite realities in class, culture, language by integrating diverse elements to illustrate the marginal and dominant paradigms.

ARI Supported Project: Mama, Tree Giver of Life is a 20 minute film featuring a 200 year old redwood located in Mendocino County’s Jackson Demonstration State Forest. This 200 foot majestic redwood, affectionately named Mama Tree, is at the center of an environmental conflict involving activists, Native American communities, forest management and timber companies. Viewers will be drawn into an audio journey as natural sounds from the surrounding forest life and redwoods are used in place of interviews to chronicle the battle to protect California forests, preserve Native American land and traditions.