Art Without Borders - San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Even though San Diego and Tijuana are on opposite sides of the U.S./Mexico border, the two cities have a strong cultural connection. San Diego International Airport (SAN) is celebrating that longtime binational bond with a temporary art exhibit titled Espacios & Lines.

The exhibit demonstrates that art can transcend borders by highlighting the cities’ shared symbolism. It also takes a deep look at both the process and purpose of creating. Photographs, sculptures, pottery and other artwork encourage viewers to ponder the intersections and divergences of design philosophies, and ultimately their impact on artistic expression and styles within the Baja Peninsula. All 16 of the artists featured are from the region, and fully half work in both the U.S. and Mexico.

The diverse exhibit commemorates Tijuana and San Diego collectively being named the 2024 Word Design Capital. Every two years, the World Design Organization recognizes a city’s innovative and effective use of design to strengthen economic, social, cultural and environmental development. This year, the organization set a new precedent by selecting a joint bid. While the prestigious global designation recognizes both cities as one community, San Diego is the first U.S. city to receive it and Tijuana is the second in Mexico.

The multi-media art exhibit at SAN is one of many Word Design Capital 2024 events being held throughout the year. Their mission is to address the cross-border community’s most pressing challenges through design and create a unified force for regional transformation.

“With Espacios & Lines, we are thrilled to showcase the diversity and uniqueness of our shared region to visitors from all over the world,” says Kimberly Becker, president and chief executive officer of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority.

The decentralized exhibit will be on display in pre- and post-security locations throughout SAN for about one year.