By: Forbes México
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has named the visual artist, Jorge Marin, as a Goodwill Ambassador for the organization in Mexico, in recognition of the joint work undertaken in support of the rights of migrant children and adolescents. Collaboration between UNICEF and the renowned Mexican sculptor, Jorge Marin, began in 2018. Since then, the Jorge Marin Foundation has provided psycho-social support through didactic workshops for the child and adolescent populations who, for whatever motive, have left their places of origin. The workshops, “Compañero de Viaje” (Travel Companion), were inspired by the sculpture created by Jorge Marin, Wings of Mexico: a bronze piece that has become a reference for the human desire for freedom and independence, particularly among migrant populations. Following this spirit of autonomy, in the workshops, children and adolescents are encouraged to make a cloth doll with wings that reflects their experiences. The aim of this activity is to strengthen feelings of safety and belonging that are frequently eroded or lost during the migratory process.
Jorge Marin thus joins an international list of people who have lent their voices to emphasize the importance of and respect for the rights of children and adolescents, and to create a strong bond with UNICEF to generate changes that will guarantee the fulfilment of these rights. In his work, the artist captures the movement of his characters and fills them with contained force. With this same perspective, he has committed to continue working hand-in-hand with UNICEF to create consciousness regarding children and adolescents, particularly those who are victims of the divisions and prejudices that affect societies globally. According to the UNICEF representation in Mexico, the Jorge Marin Foundation, created in 2015, has conducted art workshops for more than 900 children in 15 countries, and particularly in vulnerable communities.
