Dr. Hector Garza
In a wholesome and intimate conversation, Dr. Héctor Garza, a celebrated San Antonio artist and
educator, opened up to us about his lifelong journey as a creator rooted in borderland identity,
queer expression, and pedagogical purpose. Known for his vibrant fusion of Mexican
iconography with American pop culture, Garza’s work transcends boundaries—most notably in
his reinterpretation of la lotería, where sacred figures like la Virgen and political symbols like
Uncle Sam co-exist, inviting viewers to reflect on cultural dualities. He traces his hybrid
aesthetic to early visual memories from his childhood, living in el barrio El Pateon where lucha
libre, calaveras, and vibrant neighborhood murals shaped his imagination. He described
nepantla—the liminal in-between space—as central to both his life and work, reflecting the
borderland condition of navigating queerness, cultural tension, and identity multiplicity. Through
collage and mixed media, he shapes to shapeshift bodies and experiences, crafting pieces that
feel as nostalgic as they are subversive. Influenced by both contemporary Latinx queer artists
and iconic Mexican visual traditions, Garza draws inspiration from the likes of Keith Haring and
María Félix to mask-wearing luchadores and street altars he has spent over 20 years teaching,
recently honored as Educator of the Year at Incarnate Word High School sharing how his
students, especially queer, bicultural youth, are at the heart of his creative drive. Hector
emphasized that academic research enhanced his ability to contextualize his work, but that his
visual voice has always been rooted in instinct, memory, and the hybrid body. We spoke of the
evolution of queer Latinx art both unapologetic, and sacred. A direct reflection on the politics of
duality, beauty of contradiction, and visual storytelling that reveals within every hue and stroke.
Dr. Héctor Garza reminds us that art is survival, and hybridity is power.
