

Monique Garza
Born: 1980
Hometown: San Antonio
Based in: San Antonio
Born: 1980
Hometown: San Antonio
Based in: San Antonio
Monique Garza earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art with a concentration in Photography from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Her work is inspired by her dreams, spirituality and Latina heritage. Her range of artworks includes photography, painting, ceramics, printmaking, installation and video. Monique is a Mom-trepreneur who participated in several Artist-In-Residence opportunities and works as a Creative Art Director. She competes throughout the year to local, state and worldwide exhibitions. Her photography has been displayed at galleries for international events such as Paris Photo, NFT.NYC, Art Basel and SXSW. She has been published in numerous magazines, books and calendars for her work. She has earned many recognition awards for visual arts and even featured in Polaroid Magazine.
Instant photography captures the nostalgia of idealism and the magic of serendipity. It always feels like I am in a time machine that is propelling me into the future of my memories. The digital age and analog film are colliding to create a new interaction in the conversation of contemporary photography. With innovative tools, the enchantment of instant film is bursting with new flavors, creativity and excitement. Within this new technology lives the mutation of fine art and the adventurous spirit of Americana. I explore these peculiarities with an assortment of cameras, mediums and techniques.
What inspires you?
The quest for truth, beauty, freedom and love inspires me on a daily basis. The search for oneness, idealism and creative experimentation connects me to our place in the universe. I am inspired by the harmony of communication with expression, color and enlightenment.
What are 3 words that best describe your work?
Curious, Creative and Dreamy
Who are some artists that have influenced your work?
Artistic influences include Andy Warhol, David LaChapelle, Frida Kahlo, Annie Leibovitz, Mark Romanek, Salvador Dalí, Leonardo DaVinci, Dale Chihuly, Nick Veasey, Henri Matisse, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Vincent Van Gogh, Marc Chagall, Claude Monet and Pablo Picasso.
What is the most important tool when creating your work?
Having a positive attitude, a thirsty curiosity & lots of instant film for my many Polaroid cameras
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Best advice: "Take time to smell the flowers", "March to the beat of your own drummer", "Every passing minute is another chance to turn it all around", "As above, so below", "Leap and the net will appear" and "Luck favors a prepared mind" .
Where do you go for inspiration?
Music is my favorite source of inspiration. I love visiting museums, live shows, traveling, holidays, books, movies, family, friends, other contemporary instant film artists and books on spirituality.
Awards
Juror's Selection- New York Center for Photographic Art
2020
City of San Antonio, Department of Arts&Culture: Grant Award
2020
Light, Space & Time Gallery: Special Recognition Artist
2017
Light, Space & Time Gallery: Special Merit
2017
Fusion Art Gallery: Exhibition Winner
2017
Fusion Art Gallery: Honorable Mention
2017
Fusion Art Gallery: Exhibition Finalist
2017
Light, Space & Time Gallery: Special Recognition
2017
2nd Place- Best in Show: UTSA Art Guild Exhibition
2005
National French Honor Society
1998
National Honor Society
1998
National Forensics League
1998