José Garza is an artist and educator based in St. Louis whose work resides at the intersection of art, academia, and social engagement. His research critically explores the concept of the "American Dream" through a post-photographic studio practice. Drawing from his Chicano heritage and punk aesthetics, Garza investigates the challenges faced by the working class within capitalist systems.
His multidisciplinary practice spans traditional and new media, including photography, video, drawing, sculpture, workshops, lectures, collaborations, and curated exhibitions and screenings. Garza has exhibited both nationally and internationally, with participation in the 2017 Biennale di Spazio Pubblico in Rome and the 2019 Counterpublic Triennial.
Currently, he serves as the Museum Academic Programs Coordinator at the Kemper Art Museum and teaches photography and social practice at Saint Louis University. He is active in the local arts community as a board member of The Luminary and New Music Circle. A U.S. Navy veteran, Garza was a 2024–25 Kranzberg Arts Foundation Visual Artist in Residence and is a co-founder of the Latinx Arts Network St. Louis as well as the artist-owned cooperative Monaco.
His work and perspectives have been featured in publications and media outlets such as Art in America, Artforum, Sixty Inches from the Center, St. Louis Public Radio, and St. Louis Magazine.
