Daniela Garcia

El Bolo

Oil, charcoal on canvas

El Bolo depicts a traditional ceremony in Mexican culture. A "bolo" is done at the conclusion of a baptism, a godfather is chosen to spread the wealth to the children present by giving out coins to each child. In my painting this concept is played against the idea of immigration in our current climate. Children are brought over with the promise of a better life and the US is the godfather who is supposed to provide it. The puppet represents the immigration policies that taunt the children with the promise of a better future by saying they should do it "the right way". The children continue to reach for this promise without knowing that it will not be delivered.

Oil and charcoal on canvas.
36 x 48 inches

About the artist

Daniela Garcia

Daniela Garcia is a first-generation Mexican American. Born in Northridge California, she spent her childhood traveling between the rural community of Lake Los Angeles and Guanajuato Mexico. From a young age she was raised surrounded by immigrant communities and traditions, her father was a refuge for anyone who needed a place to stay as they immigrated from Mexico to California. Her art practice centers around this experience. As a child, immigration was a necessity for her family's survival. As a young adult, she experienced the hostility towards immigrants and the constant fight to keep them out. This drove her current body of work which addresses the clashing feeling of family and opportunity, and the fear and hostility that has developed towards her community in the recent administration. Garcia is a first-generation college graduate. She received her BFA in Drawing and Painting from California State University Long Beach and also received her teaching credential from here. Garciai has had the opportunity to exhibit her work throughout Southern California. She currently lives and works in Ventura County.