La frontera (photo by Detritus courtesy of Flickr)

Controversy often haunts the city of Nogales. It mirrors the American city which shares its name and is one of the most important border entrances to the United States. For many years, Nogales, Sonora was a favorite visit for many Americans looking for cheap medication and intriguing arts and crafts.  As time goes by, Nogales develops into an interesting border town that holds on  to cultural ties while remaining open to what the future may hold.

Two cultures coexist (photo by Detritus courtesy of Flickr)

Alberto Morackis and Guadalupe Serrano created the three-dimensional painted mural reliefs that decorate the border fence. These intricately designed and thought provoking works mix ancient iconic art with modern sustenance. Ancient Meso-American wall drawings often had icons relating the thoughts of the person drawn over their head. The same is used here with icons floating over the heads of visitors coming to Mexico and Mexicans leaving their home.

Ancient Mayan God (photo by Detritus courtesy of Flickr)

The fish hovering above the border crossers is a Mayan wind God who is often associated with the idea of civilization. Again, there is a stunning use of color and visual cuing to indicate what they want.

Milagros keep hope alive (photo by Detritus courtesy of Flickr)

The,larger than life, milagros were done by Alfredo Quiroz and are an amazing homage to the manda-related icons so popular in the Mexican culture.  Small charms used to represent the desires, hopes and prayers of the person asking saints to petition to God on their behalf. A heart may represent healing a heartbreak or even the actual healing of an ailing heart. The milagors on the border fence show the hopes and fears associated with crossing the border.

A visit to Nogales is always good for authentic Mexican cuisne and fun shopping. On your next visit, take some time to enjoy the amazing display of art dipicting the struggles and hopes that live along the border.