Magda Leon
MFA ’24 Fine Arts 2D
My artwork grows from memory, family stories, and the experience of migration. I was born in Guatemala and raised in the United States, and my prints and installations help me hold onto pieces of both places. I use everyday materials and personal memories because they feel true to who I am and where I come from.
A big part of my practice is working with the migrant community. I build giant kites to honor loved ones and create something beautiful together. These kites carry photos, textile Mayan patterns, and shared stories. They become spaces where people feel welcomed, seen, and connected, and they show the resilience of our community.
Whether I am carving wood, printing, or building an installation, I return to the same ideas: home, belonging, resilience, and the small things that connect us. My work is a way to remember, to celebrate, and to stay grounded in the people and places that shaped me.
Magda León is a Guatemalan-born artist and educator based in Providence, Rhode Island. She works in printmaking, installation, and community-based projects that honor memory, migration, and everyday life. She teaches printmaking at Brandeis University and builds giant kites with migrant communities. Her work is inspired by family stories, cultural traditions, and the people she creates with.
