Leigh Garcia is a biracial Latina, a seventh-generation Texan of European descent on her mom's side and granddaughter of Mexican immigrants on her dad's. Garcia has followed the roots of her ancestry to shape her artistic practice. Major events in Texas history such as the Mexican-American War, Battle of the Alamo, Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, and Bracero Program have created a complex relationship between her two cultures: white Texans and mestizo Mexicans. 

Products of these historical events-particularly undocumented immigration and the racialization of Mexicans-are both the context  and focus of her work. Using printmaking, papermaking, and  sculpture, she explores her biracial identity and familial history while highlighting aspects of racial and generational privilege/ oppression.

In additio to her visiting artist talk, Leigh Garcia will be printing a multi-plate intaglio edition in collaboration with the printmaking students. All visitors are welcome to join, the Print Studio is located on the 4th floor. Leigh will be visiting the School of Art and Design from Jan. 30 through Feb. 2.