Ayotzi, Inspiration and Revolution
Reyna Garcia
Artist Bio
Reyna Garcia is originally From Nezahualcoyotl, Mexico. She is an activist artist, community organizer, human rights advocates and cultural promoter. Her creations focus on the underrepresented using art to represent their needs as well as the plight of Latinos and immigrants. Her passion is expressed through the art and community forums which allow her to speak and give voice to those causes.
As a cultural activist she has contributed to the empowerment of women and community at large and has gained the respect and recognition from a number of local agencies and organizations as an advocate for the underprivileged. Her track record as an activist has been acknowledged by a number of organizations in New York to Chicago, Philadelphia, Texas and California.
Reyna's professional background is extensive. She is a self-employed artist. She has coordinated the Mexican Cultural Project in New York City; is the Coordinator of the caravan 43 and the Coordinator of the National Campaign Jornada por Nestora which advocates for the release of a political prisoner from Olinala Guerrero; and is a collaborator with the USA Jornada por los Presos Politicos de Mexico. Reyna has ample experience in cross-cultural events and projects, has been involved in coalitions and collaborative work with civic, community and faith based organizations with an emphasis in giving voice to the under-served.
Artist Statement
This exhibition is part of my experience and commitment to the Ayotzinapa Movement and the disappearance of the 43 students of the Rural Normal School Raúl Isidro Burgos in Mexico. It was the awakening of my political consciousness with the struggle for social change.
Through this exhibition I express the need to understand the problem of forced migration as a human rights issue. My approach to document social justice issues through art and photography goes hand in hand with my daily life as a cultural activist. In this exhibition I also share other art and craft techniques for painting, sculpture, mosaics and vases made with red clay. I consider my work an extension of myself as an activist, artist and immigrant women.
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