Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tere Garcia. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Tere, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
My resilience is deeply rooted in the crucible of my immigrant journey, characterized by relocation in pursuit of personal and professional development. With each transition, resilience not only takes hold but thrives within me. Whether adapting to diverse cultures or overcoming language barriers, every obstacle showcases my inner strength and determination. As an artist and advocate, my resilience is driven not only by personal conviction but also by a commitment to empowering others. Through my role as an educator, I strive to empower fellow artists, guiding them through obstacles to find their voice in their artistic endeavors. Together, we are not merely surviving but actively reshaping our communities and societies, forging pathways toward greater equity and belonging. Drawing from my lived experiences and cultivated support networks, resilience emerges as a cornerstone of my identity—a reflection of the enduring spirit of migration, the inherent strength of womanhood, and the profound impact of artistic expression. It is a resilience shaped by historical struggles, embodying the fortitude of those who paved the way before me, and a steadfast commitment to navigating the intricate layers of identity and belonging.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
As a multidisciplinary artist deeply engaged with the sociopolitical realities of migration,I’ve been researching the United States and Mexico border, examining the complexities of its politics and the architecture of the man-made structures that shape its boundaries. My work spans various media, including video, performance, sculpture, installation, traditional and digital photography. It’s rooted in my personal journey as an immigrant, informed by firsthand experiences of navigating the complexities of migration politics and humanitarian efforts.
In my artistic endeavors, I aim to address immigration issues and spark dialogues about socio political disparities within our country. During research trips to the border, I joined humanitarian missions like the Water Drops organized by the South Texas Humans Rights Center, where I witnessed the plight of immigrants risking their lives crossing treacherous trails. These experiences have deeply influenced my artistic practice, shaping my commitment to fostering unity and understanding through art.
In addition to my individual artistic pursuits, I’ve embarked on a new initiative in Miami called Performance in Flux. Born out of a recognition of the need for spaces where artists can explore the multifaceted dimensions of performance art, Performance in Flux is a vibrant platform dedicated to celebrating the dynamic and experimental nature of performance art.
Performance in Flux endeavors to transcend conventional artistic boundaries, drawing inspiration from the revolutionary ethos of the Fluxus art movement. Through immersive happenings, avant-garde interventions, and multimedia experiences, we aim to showcase the diversity and innovation inherent in performance art. Our platform provides contemporary artists with opportunities to engage with and respond to the contemporary zeitgeist through their performances.
Our mission extends beyond mere artistic expression; we aspire to cultivate bridges between communities and cities. Drawing from my experiences living in Houston and New York before migrating to Miami, I understand the importance of building connections and breaking down barriers. By expanding our community and nurturing connections between artists, Performance in Flux aims to harness the transformative potential of performance art to inspire unity, foster creativity, and dissolve boundaries.
As a committed full-time artist, community advocate, educator and curator, my goal with Performance in Flux is to contribute to the cultural richness of Miami and beyond. Through thought-provoking art, engaging dialogues, and dynamic performances, we strive to provide opportunities for creative exploration, collaboration, and connection. Performance in Flux represents a continuation of my journey as an artist.
Through Performance in Flux, our primary goal is to dismantle barriers and cultivate unity within the artistic community. By providing a platform for creative exploration and collaboration, we aspire to foster an environment where artists from diverse backgrounds can thrive and express themselves freely. Moreover, we are committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the arts, actively seeking to amplify the voices of underrepresented groups.
With a Master of Fine Arts in Photography and related media from Parsons School of Design in New York, and a Bachelor’s degree in Photography and Digital Media from the University of Houston with a Art History Minor. I bring a diverse educational background to my artistic practice. Additionally, my experience as a professor at institutions including Miami International University of Art and Design, Parsons School of Design in New York, the International Center of Photography in New York, and the Blaffer Art Museum in Houston, Texas, has further enriched my understanding of art’s transformative power and its ability to spark meaningful dialogue and social change.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
One of my skills that has greatly contributed to my journey is the ability to connect people and build communities. Creating platforms like Performance in Flux has allowed me to bring artists together, fostering collaboration and dialogue within the artistic community. For artists starting their journey, I recommend actively seeking opportunities to connect with fellow creatives, collaborate on projects, and contribute to building supportive artistic communities.
My advice to those early in their journey is to cultivate resilience, embrace interdisciplinary learning, foster cultural awareness, and prioritize building connections and communities. Embracing failure as a learning opportunity, exploring diverse mediums, engaging with various cultures, and connecting with fellow artists can empower individuals to navigate challenges with confidence and creativity, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling artistic journey.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Performance in Flux is always seeking artists who are passionate about performance art or have a keen interest in exploring this expressive medium. Whether you’re an experienced practitioner of performance art or someone new to the field but eager to experiment and learn, we welcome your involvement. Our platform aims to provide opportunities for artists from diverse backgrounds to engage with performance art, challenge boundaries, and address contemporary issues. If you’re enthusiastic about using performance as a tool for creative expression and social commentary, we encourage you to connect with us and become part of our vibrant community.
In addition to Performance in Flux, I, as an artist, am committed to creating a space where meaningful conversations about migration, community, and art can flourish. I’m eager to collaborate with artists, activists, educators, and individuals who share my passion for addressing social justice issues through creative expression. Whether you’re an artist looking to collaborate, a community member interested in engaging in dialogue, or simply someone who wants to support our initiatives, I invite you to join me in building bridges and sparking important discussions. Let’s come together to explore the intersections of art, identity, and social change.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.performanceinflux.com
- Instagram: @tere.senyase @performance_in_flux
Image Credits
Jorge Abuin Steven Baboun Angel Lartigue
