Monarchs and Migration: Children at the Border of Freedom

2026
Screenprint
26 1/2" x 20
Edition of 50
Printed and published by Self Help Graphics

The children depicted, left to right, are Juan de Leon Gutierrez, Wilmer Josue Ramirez Vasquez, Anadith Danay Reyes Alvarez, Carlos Gregorio Hernandez Vasquez, Marlee Juarez, Felipe Gómez Alonzo, and Jakelin Caal. All of the children depicted came to the United States from Central America seeking asylum, and from 2018 to 2023 died under Border Patrol custody from both preventable and completely treatable illnesses.

Regarding the print, Flores says, “The focus of this print is on the children featured and the potential that was lost when they died in the hands of Border Patrol custody. This is a call back and reminder to our immigrant past, of the many transplants from other countries, of my own siblings who entered this country as children."

Self Help Graphics has developed one of the most popular Día de los Muertos events in Los Angeles, and the longest running public commemoration of its kind in the country for over 50 years. SHG provides the community with a season of fall activities, typically from October-November, to celebrate and prepare for the Celebration held on or near November 2. The annual celebration is free and open to all ages. Purchase of this print directly supports Self Help Graphics endeavors to keep the events free for all and sustain this longstanding tradition of remembrance as well as Self Help Graphics arts and cultural programming.