Artist prowls Denver in art car

"Border Cruiser" aims to spark immigration dialog

By John C. Ensslin, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published August 26, 2008 at 10:01 p.m.

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DENVER — There are so many police agencies assisting with security in Denver for the Democratic National Convention that most people may not notice the white patrol car with the words "Border Cruiser - Projection Vehicle".

But look again. That's not a man in the back seat whose talking to passers-by. It's a video image of an illegal immigrant from Brazil named Robert speaking in the back seat of a car.

And that's no patrolman at the wheel of the car -- a former Miami Police detective's vehicle -- it's Steve Gagnon, a video installation artist from Florida.

The motto on the truck gives a clue. It reads: "To Project and To Present." On the bumper is the artist's Web site, www.stevengagnon.com.

Gagnon said he checked with Denver traffic cops before arriving in town Sunday and was careful not to use flashing lights or the word police anywhere on the vehicle.

He hopes the video squad car will spark discussion of "what it means to be an American." After the DNC ends Thursday, he plans to drive it to St. Paul in time for the Republican National Convention.

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