APRIL 9, 2020 — For UTSA master of fine arts student Gabi Magaly, when the exhibition of her thesis work was canceled due to the coronavirus outbreak, it was an opportunity to overcome, not succumb to, the situation. Magaly, in true Roadrunner spirit, decided to create a showcase of her final project online.
“I look at the bright side,” she said. “Now people can see my work over the internet. “Hopefully, it spreads like wildfire.”
Magaly’s effort shows how creative thinkers can still present their work, despite stay-at-home orders. Her friends helped her make a brief video to explain her show, and Presa House Gallery created a virtual tour that allows not only the San Antonio community but now the entire world to see Magaly’s art up close.
The artwork in Magaly’s show, titled “Yo No Nací Para Aguantar a Nadie” (“I Wasn’t Born to Put Up With Anybody”), is not easy. It deals with themes of growing up in a Mexican American household, tackling community issues, such as the culture of machismo and marianismo, a veneration for perceived feminine virtues like purity and moral strength. Items that are traditionally associated with many Mexican American households—Fiesta-brand spices, fideo, prayer cards, candles, blankets and tortillas—are turned upside down. She uses a visual language, usually reserved for Abuela’s kitchen and living room, to push for empowerment of Hispanic Gen Z and Latinx women.
Upending Tradition
COURTESY OF PRESA HOUSE GALLERY / VIRTUAL TOUR VIDEO BY NAÍN LEÓNHer numerous group exhibitions include “New Media from Texas” at Luis Leu Gallery in Karlsruhe, Germany, “Photoplay” at Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center in San Antonio, and winning Best in Show for her Santa Catherine de Siena piece at the Masur Museum of Art’s 56th Annual Juried Competition Exhibition in Monroe, Louisiana.
UTSA Today is produced by University Communications and Marketing, the official news source of The University of Texas at San Antonio. Send your feedback to news@utsa.edu. Keep up-to-date on UTSA news by visiting UTSA Today. Connect with UTSA online at Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram.
Join us on your lunch or 30 minute wellness break and "Lego" of your stress with fun activities like Legos, PlayDoh, coloring pages, puzzles and more!
Mesquite Room (SU 2.01.24,) Student Union, Main CampusMove In To COLFA is strongly recommended for new students in COLFA. It gives you the chance to learn about the Student Success Center, campus resources and meet new friends!
Academic Classroom: Lecture Hall (MH 2.01.10,) McKinney Humanities BldgWe invite you to join us for Birds Up! Downtown, an exciting welcome back event designed to connect students with the different departments at the Downtown Campus. Students will have the opportunity to learn about some of the departments on campus, gain access to different resources, and collect some giveaways!
Bill Miller PlazaCome and celebrate this year's homecoming at the Downtown Campus with food, games, giveaways, music, and more. We look forward to seeing your Roadrunner Spirit!
Bill Miller PlazaThe University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.
To be a premier public research university, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.
We encourage an environment of dialogue and discovery, where integrity, excellence, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.
