Edward Gia is a first-generation Ecuadorian-Mexican American artist from New York, NY. His work delves into the complexities of his queer identity within the confines of heteronormative and religious frameworks. Utilizing the snapshot aesthetic, their photographs evoke nostalgia, particularly evident in their approach to portraiture and the documentation of their surrounding spaces. Beyond personal narratives, they engage with religious iconography, moving beyond mere reference to explore the intricate connections between gender, sexuality, and morality. This exploration extends beyond the individual, intertwining with broader themes such as immigration and the enduring bonds across generations. Their work has been featured at the School of Visual Arts, Ma’s House & BIPOC Art Studio, The Lucie Foundation, among others. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography & Video from the School of Visual Arts (2020).

Education:

2026 (expected) MFA, Studio Art, The University of Texas at Austin

2020 BFA, Photography & Video, School of Visual Arts

Solo Exhibition(s):

2020 (DIS)CONNECTED, School of Visual Arts, New York, NY

Group Exhibitions:

2024 Mapping Perspectives, Throughline Collective, Houston, TX

2023 Counterpart, Ma’s House & BIPOC Art Studio, Southampton, NY

2022 Anima Mundi 2022 - Visions, Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello, Venice, Italy

2022 Free to Be, Culture Lab LIC at the Plaxall Gallery, Long Island City, NY

2021 Notions of Home, The Lucie Foundation, Online Exhibition

2020 Picture Library, School of Visual Arts, New York, NY

2020 2020 Visions, School of Visual Arts, New York, NY

2020 The Narrative Scale, School of Visual Arts, New York, NY

2020 There is No Person Without a World (Senior Thesis Show), School of Visual Arts, NY

Selected Publications:

2023 Float Photo Magazine: Home is Where

2022 Fraction Media Issue 157: 14th Anniversary Issue

2021 Pearl Press Issue No. 7: Unorthodox

2021 Booooooom Magic Hour

2021 Goldenrod Editions Issue 02

Scholarships:

2021 La Luz Workshops Scholarship: “Finding Your Audience: An Introduction to Marketing Your Photographs” With Mary Virginia Swanson

2020 La Luz Workshops Scholarship: “Circumferences of Self” with Richard Renaldi and Special Guest Doug Dobuois

2020 School of Visual Arts BFA Photography Hub Award

2016 School of Visual Arts Chairman’s Merit Award