Next to You (in-malibu.mx) is a website where Rodrigo Nava Ramirez has been singing “Malibu” by Miley Cryrus on a loop since 2017—the year the artist was deported and banned from the United States. The artist describes the song and imagery of California as “a longing for a place that I can’t physically access, but I can virtually occupy.” Much as the artist cannot access the United States, US-based users cannot access the full piece. Here, we’re publishing a link to a desktop choreography publication—the full piece is available outside the US.
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Click on image above to experience the piece.
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Digital America interviewed Rodrigo Nava Ramirez in November of 2024.
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Rodrigo Nava Ramírez (he/they) is an artist and computer programmer from Mexico City. Their work seeks to practically and conceptually reframe digital technologies as tools for exploring spaces that are materially and temporarily restricted, creating alternative spaces for representation. They hold an MFA from The Glasgow School of Art (UK), their work has been exhibited in the US, UK and Europe, most recently at Unseen Guest, part of the British Council public programme for the Venice Biennale.
