The Riding the Beast Exhibit: The Train That Carries Central American Migrants Across Mexico

La Beastia train through Mexico, painting by Diego Rodarte

A painting of La Beastia, the train that carries Central American migrants across Mexico, by artist Diego Rodarte

An art exhibition focusing on the train that carries up to half a million Central American migrants across Mexico toward the United States every year opens today at UC Berkeley’s Center for Latin American Studies (CLAS).

The exhibit, by the Artist Collective Against Discrimination, is titled Riding the Beast, named for the notorious train that carries desperate Central American and Mexican migrants as it rumbles across Mexico.

CLAS is mounting the exhibit in collaboration with the Mexican Museum, the Consulate General of Mexico in San Francisco and the Mexican Agency for International Development Cooperation.

Exhibit photo by Ken Li.

Center leaders said the exhibit is intended to help promote dialogue from people from both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border at a time of intense national debate about immigration, human rights, walls and deportation.

The exhibit will be open to the public from 1-5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, through August 10 at 2334 Bowditch St., Berkeley, CA about two blocks from the south edge of campus.

MONTARlabestia is underwritten by Richard A. Levy, MD, and Andrew Kluger, in collaboration with the Mexican Museum, the Mexican Consulate General of San Francisco, and the Mexican Agency for International Development Cooperation.

Editor's Note: NPR's 2014 story about this train and its riders, Riding 'The Beast' Across Mexico To The US Border:

"There's a network of freight trains that runs the length of Mexico, from its southernmost border with Guatemala north to the United States. In addition to grain, corn or scrap metal, these trains are carrying an increasing number of undocumented immigrants whose aim is to cross into the U.S.

"And despite the many deadly challenges it poses, more and more children — both with adults and alone — have been making the risky journey. That prompted President Obama this week to warn of "an urgent humanitarian situation."

"These aren't passenger trains; there are no panoramic windows, seats or even a roof to guard from sun or rain. People call the train La Bestia, or The Beast. Some call it the Death Train."

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The Riding the Beast Exhibit: The Train That Carries Central American Migrants Across Mexico

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