Judith F. Baca

Judith F. Baca first started out as a first-generation college Chicana artist who came to identify with other identities along the way, such as part of the LGBTQ+ community. She was inspired by her community and has common themes of motherhood, migration, feminism and family. Many of her portraits include contributions from others who come from a diverse set of backgrounds all collaborating to provide different narratives through art. These narratives of social justice is what Baca refers to as "public art of contestation," which allows all to contribute to the conversation of class, gender and race.

Baca is most known for the Great Wall of Los Angeles which brings light to a history and perspective of California from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. It is an extremely popular piece throughout LA and recognized throughout the nation as an LA landmark. It is 2,754 ft. long and over 400 individuals contributed to the wall. The mural became much more than what Baca had anticipated or envisioned. It encompassed stories beyond her imagination and knowledge, which is a philosophy I definitely believe she embodies with her art where she creates art while being open to letting others be apart of that process. I find that extremely inspiring because she wants to share this experience of creating and allow others to be apart of the process.