Inspired by what is known as the critical tradition in education, known as Critical Pedagogy, Luis-Genaro Garcia, PhD.  is an artist, scholar,  and former high school art teacher in South Central Los Angeles.  As an educator and artist influenced by the theoretical frameworks of Critical Pedagogy (Freire, 1970), The Funds of Knowledge (Gonzalez & Moll, 2005), and Critical Race Theory in Education (Yosso, 2005), he focuses on challenging the social and political barriers that exist in communities of color.     

                   As an artist he draws on his own social and political experiences as a resident and educator in South Central Los Angeles. Constantly drawing on his own forms of cultural knowledge as a former student, and former Educator of the Los Angeles Unified School District; he reflects the historical and political experiences of marginalized communities through what he identifies as Social Realism and Surrealism. His work is heavily influenced by Mexican Muralist David Alfaro Siqueiros and printmaker Jose Guadalupe Posada; both known for their social and political commentary.  

                  As an art educator of fourteen years at his former high school, and  current teacher-educator,  he draws on the cultural assets of students and communities as relevant and accessible forms of art. Through this philosophy he believes that students' home knowledge can be used by educators to develop new forms of cultural and relevant knowledge that will develop the creativity and independence of students , educators, and communities for social transformation and social change.  Luis is currently an Assistant Professor of Art Education at California State University Sacramento and continues working with local communities, schools,  and arts organizations.