“Elías Magdalena, also known as "E✝M✝X" is an interdisciplinary and multi-media Zapotec artist based in Los Angeles, CA. They specialize in installation, painting, and using art as a sociopolitical intervention by reworking the history of everyday materials, mediums, and motifs. Their work tackles key issues such as gender, race, religion, and borders by using personal, cultural, and historical imagery. In the past two years, Magdalena has focused on developing their mastery in printmaking at Art Division.

In the summer of 2023, they were selected for a printmaking residency in Oaxaca at Taller Sangfer. Their residency placement was a huge turning point for their work as Magdalena was able to connect back with their homeland after not returning for over 10 years. In the year before their residency, Magdalena also had the opportunity to connect with Zapotec weavers in Teotitlan del Valle at Taller low dain to bring one of their prints to life. The print was transformed into a naturally dyed and handwoven tapete that now hangs on display at Art Division. Outside of the visual art realm, Magdalena is active in the Los Angeles music scene via LXS COCHINXS a trans dyke duo band that makes cumbia merengue punk.”