Nela Garzón is a multidisciplinary visual artist whose work explores the intersection of cultural heritage, colonial history, and hybrid identities. Drawing inspiration from diverse cultures, she addresses themes of cultural transgression, racism, social injustice, and migration, critically examining the impact of ethnocentrism embedded in dominant societies. By learning, adapting, and reinterpreting traditional techniques, Garzón creates a visual dialogue that comments on the effects of globalization and capitalism. Her work advocates for the preservation of ancestral knowledge, the promotion of pride in minority communities, and the acceptance of immigrants and refugees in a pluricultural world.
Born in Bogotá, Colombia, Garzón earned a Bachelor of Visual Arts from the Javeriana University in 2004. Her art has been featured in significant exhibitions in her home country, including the 41st Salón Nacional de Artistas and the 4th Salón de Arte Bidimensional. In the U.S., she has received notable achievements, such as the 1st Award at the Assistance League of Houston Show (2019), the LIFTS grant (2020), and a commission from the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, which featured one of her sculptures at the Cullen Sculpture Garden (2022). She received the Jones Artist Award from the Houston Endowment (2023) and participated in the PAC Artist Residency (2023). She has a commissioned work permanently installed at Meow Wolf, Houston (2024), and she is currently a resident artist at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft (2025).
