Artwork copyright Rupert García. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2006.

Untitled for Sor Juana, 2000

Rupert García
(American, born 1941)

Location: University of Washington, Seattle

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Rupert García created this print to honor the great 17th century Mexican poet and composer Sor Juana Ines de La Cruz (1648-1695), who wrote the first document defending women's access to education. Sor Juana was self-educated, fluent in Latin and Nahuatl (also known as the Aztec language), a student of philosophy, and a nun. Her criticism of misogyny and men led to her condemnation by the Bishop, and in 1694 she was forced to sell her library and focus on charity towards the poor. She died the next year, having caught the plague while treating her fellow nuns.

This artwork is part of a collection of artworks located in the University of Washington's Kane Hall. The collection pays tribute to the diversity of UW's campus community and features nine artists whose art explores identity. Student leaders from the UW Minority Think Tank were involved in the selection of the artworks in 2005.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with University of Washington.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Rupert García was born in central California and studied painting at San Francisco State University. Silkscreen poster art was his early focus, and he developed a unique and colorful style. His artworks have been included in virtually every major exhibition of Chicano art in the U.S., as well as internationally. In the 1960s and 70s, García was a leader in the Chicano Art Movement and the West Coast civil rights movement.