This is the companion piece to my other border crosser painting entitled “El Mojado.” In contrast to the seriousness of “El Mojado” the painting “El Gringo” depicts a common Tijuana border Souvenir Station. Where Americans pay a small sum to have their photo taken with a real donkey who is painted to look like a Zebra if that isn't exciting enough you get to choose a large sombrero to wear for your photo with a phrase painted on it favorites include “SEXY GIRL” “SANCHO” “TEQUILA” “JUST MARRIED” and “KISS ME” the less comedic types can choose the simple “Tijuana, MX”

I hope the contrast between these two paintings showcase the very real differences in the experiences one can have at the very unique place which is the Mexican/U.S. border.