As a Chicana artist, Delilah Montoya’s personal quest in image making is the discovery and articulation of Chicano culture that elucidate the dense history of Aztlán. Her artistic vision is an autobiographical exploration, but one that has far reaching implications for her community and the preservation of its unique history. Montoya’s work is grounded in the experiences of Latino Culture and brings together a multiplicity of syncretic forms and practices – from those of Aztec Mexico and Spain to cross-border vernacular traditions – all of which are shaded by contemporary American customs and values. Her projects investigate cultural phenomena; whether investigating spiritual rituals, ideas of race or questioning gender traditions, yet always addresses and often confronts viewers’ assumptions.

Delilah Montoya’s work has been exhibited in galleries and museums including the Andrew Smith Gallery, Santa Fe; Photo Do Not Bend Gallery, Dallas; Magnan Emrich Contemporary, NYC; and FotoFest, Houston. Her work in collections such as Museum of Fine Arts, Santa Fe; Art Museum of the Americas, Smithsonian Institute; Museum of Fine Arts Houston, and Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Her work is also published in Women Boxers: The New Warriors; Art of Colonial Latin; and Phantom Sightings: Art After the Chicano Movement. Her awards include Artadia Awards, Houston Texas; and the Richard T. Castro Distinguished Professorship. She is a professor at University of Houston in the School of Art. Montoya received a M.F.A. in Studio Art from the University of New Mexico.