Dr. Lou Garza
Visual Anthropologist
Mythology, Fairytales, Fantasy & Native Culture in Entertainment Media
As a former professor at Tec de Monterrey’s art and animation department, I observed that my students often hybridized ancient cultural elements, primarily drawing from entertainment media rather than traditional sources. This reflects a broader trend where media increasingly shapes much of our cultural imagination.
My research seeks to reconnect ancient worldviews with contemporary representations that have lost their original context. Coming from a Portuguese-Canarian Sephardic Jewish background and having been raised in diverse regions such as northern Mexico, Scandinavia, and the United States, I have always navigated the complexities of my multidimensional identity. I continually work to understand, connect with, and explore my cultural heritage, seeking common patterns that make my identity more comprehensible.
As an anthropologist influenced by Claude Lévi-Strauss's structuralism, I seek answers by reconnecting multicultural compositions with their roots. By analyzing these structures, I aim to trace contemporary representations back to their origins, uncovering the underlying patterns and exploring how diverse cultural elements merge while retaining their unique foundations.
In my research, I explore how primitive thought continues to influence modern art, media, literature, and religious practices, particularly focusing on video games. I dissect and classify key mythological and cultural references from Viking, Celtic, medieval, Renaissance, Mesoamerican, and Japanese traditions. My research spans the U.S., southern Mexico, and Japan, where I collaborate with institutions such as Chiba University, the University of Gothenburg, the University of Arts and Crafts in Kyoto, the National School of Anthropology and History (ENAH), and the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH).
Using a taxonomic system I developed, I work with concept artists and gamers to reveal how mythological motifs—ranging from samurai folklore to Viking, Celtic myths, and Mesoamerican imagery—continue to shape today’s hybridized, globalized world.
Projects & Research
Research Stay in Obihiro, Hokkaido , Japan - Arts
During June 2025, I conducted a focused research concentration in Japan, specifically in Obihiro, northern Hokkaido, dedicated to developing articles related to Japanese visual arts, performative arts, and visual anthropology. This intensive period covered a wide range of topics, including Hokkaido and Ainu culture, specific performative art forms like Kabuki and Butoh, contemporary Ainu and Japanese art, architecture, literature, and various Japanese artistic expressions of postmodernity.
Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan, 2025
Research Journal Article - Performing Arts UANL
I authored the article “Performative Arts of Japan: Butoh” for the Faculty of Scenic Arts at the Autonomous University of Nuevo León. This article explores the folkloric antecedents, origin, and contemporary presence of this distinctive Japanese performative art form. The research delves into Butoh's dark nature, a product of profound social explorations of art and identity in Japan following the atomic bomb and American occupation in the 1950s and 1960s, as well as its enduring presence in the hypermodern world. I completed the article in July 2025 during an art residency in Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan.
Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan, 2025
Research Journal Article - Phillosophy UANL
I authored the article “Cultural and Historical Perspectives: Ancient Civilizations and Diverse Cosmogonies in Japanese Anime and Entertainment Media” for Atitas, the research journal of the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters at the Autonomous University of Nuevo León.
The research was supported by fieldwork at the “Pirókotan Ainu Culture Promotion Center” and the “National Ainu Museum (Poy Poy) in Hokkaido”, Japan, as well as comparative studies at the “Academy Museum” and “LACMA” in Los Angeles. The article was finalized during an art residency in Sapporo in May 2025.
May, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan, 2025
Research Journal Article - Visual Arts UANL
I authored the article "Japan Reloaded: Exploring Art and Architecture in Japan from Postwar to Hypermodernity" for the Faculty of Visual Arts at the Autonomous University of Nuevo León.
The research incorporated fieldwork in Tokyo and Kyoto to examine pivotal developments in art and architecture. The article was completed in May 2025 during an art residency in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.
June, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan, 2025
Anthropology Research Diploma - INAH - ENAH
Diploma in Anthropological Religious Systems granted by the National School of Anthropology and History of Mexico (ENAH) and the National Institute of Anthropology and History of Mexico (INAH).
October, Mexico City, Mexico, 2024
PhD. Thesis in Visual Anthropology - UANL / Gothenburg University / Chiba University
I completed my thesis, titled "Ancient Mythology and Fairytales in the Concept Art of Video Games," at the Autonomous University of the State of Nuevo León (UANL), Chiba University, Kyoto University of Art and Design, and the University of Gothenburg. Additionally, I conducted research stays at Chiba University in Tokyo, Japan; Kyoto University of Art and Design in Kyoto, Japan; and the University of Gothenburg in Gothenburg, Sweden.
June 24, Monterrey, Mexico, 2024
Art Research Book Chapter - Visual Arts UANL
I authored the chapter "Creative Machines: Debates on Art, Design, Creativity, and AI" for the book "Artificial Intelligence as a Means of Reconnection to Understand Contemporary Hypermodern Art Representations," published by the Faculty of Visual Arts at the Autonomous University of Nuevo León and the Autonomous University of Coahuila.
January, Monterrey, Mexico, 2024
Concept Art Field Work in Japan - Tec de Mty
From 2018 to 2023, I organized academic trips for Tec de Monterrey students to Japan, focusing on Tokyo and Kyoto. These trips developed pre-production skills for animation, film, and anthropology, emphasizing the graphic capture of shrines, buildings, folklore, daily life, and cultural elements. I also connected Tec with institutions like Chiba University, Tokyo Metropolitan University, the Mexico-Japan Association, and the Japanese Embassy in Mexico.
Tokyo & Kyoto, Japan, 2018 -2023
Inside Art Talks Webinars & Lectures - Tec de Mty
From 2020 to 2023, I organized webinars and lectures with renowned artists, museums, and institutions to provide the Tec de Monterrey community with access to art and culture during the lockdown. Notable participants included the National Gallery of Denmark, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, MARCO Museum, Parsons experts, Tzotzil native artists, and Japanese designers. We hosted artists from the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, France, and Italy.
2020 - 2023
Producer of Historic “Mexico-Japan Relations” Stop-Motion Short Film - Tec de Mty
During my time at Tec de Monterrey, I proposed, designed, funded, and produced the animated short film Nakama. The project aimed to give animation and communication students the opportunity to create a work reflecting the culture, history, and connections between Mexico and Japan. The film portrays the first Japanese migrations to Mexico during the Meiji period, beginning with the contact between Japanese children and Maya children in Chiapas. We received support from the Mexico-Japan Association of the Northeast, the Consulate of Japan in Monterrey, and the Japan Foundation.
Monterrey, Mexico, 2018 -2019
Master Degree Thesis in Art Classification Methodologies - Visual Arts UANL
For my master’s thesis, I developed a Linnaean-based classification system to bring more scientific rigor to art analysis, reducing the influence of narrative and personal biases. Researchers often struggled to objectively study explicit or controversial art, focusing too much on narrative. My approach applied this system to postmodern and controversial works. This thesis, completed at UANL’s Faculty of Fine Arts, later became a methodological tool for classifying conceptual art in video games during my Ph.D.
Monterrey, Mexico, 2019
Volunteering Work at Habitat For Humanity Malaysia Doing Houses for The Ornag Asli - HFH
During my volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity in Malaysia, I visited several Orang Asli communities to design low-cost housing tailored to their needs. These homes were intended to be built by volunteers from around the world, sponsored by companies like Bosch, Credit Suisse, and other corporations. My work involved closely interacting with families in the jungle, learning about their customs, and creating designs that respected their way of life while ensuring sustainability.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2009
Diploma in Italian Renaissance and Romanesque Art and Culture - Università di Firenze
In 2008, I had the opportunity to study a diploma in Romanesque and Renaissance Art at the University of Florence, Italy. During this time, I gained firsthand knowledge of Renaissance works by Michelangelo and Da Vinci, conducted research at the Uffizi Gallery, learned Italian, and volunteered at the Mexican Consulate in Florence.
Florence, Italy, 2008
Teaching Volunteer Work in the Zapotec Native American Village of Quiechapa, Oaxaca -JHS Volunteer Program
In 2006, I had the opportunity to participate in the Jesuit volunteer program as a teacher in a Zapotec community in the Sierra Sur of Oaxaca. Despite the language barrier, I taught secondary school students, helped strengthen their Spanish skills, provided educational materials on history and general culture, and acted as an intermediary to establish internet access in the village. This allowed the indigenous population to connect with family members in the U.S., as the community was highly dependent on remittances, making them vulnerable to external violence. This experience profoundly shaped my passion for teaching, education, and anthropology.
San Pedro Martir Quiechapa, Oaxaca 2006
1980 – Born a 3rd of October of 1980 :)
1980-1984 – Lived in Washington D.C., United States.
1996 – Began practice in art and ceramic sculpture in Monterrey, Mexico.
2000 – Started Bachelor's degree in Architecture at Tec de Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico.
2003-2004 – Studied Architecture at Aalborg University, Denmark.
2006 – Volunteered teaching in a Zapotec village in Quiechapa, Oaxaca, Mexico.
2008 – Studied Renaissance and Romanesque Art at Florence University, Italy.
2008 – Completed Bachelor's degree in Architecture at Tec de Monterrey, Mexico.
2009 – Volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in Orang Asli villages near Kuala Lumpur and Kepong, Malaysia.
2011 – Participated in an art residency in Lyon and Paris, France.
2012 – Began a Master’s in Fine Arts.
2017 – Started teaching at Tec de Monterrey’s Art and Animation Department, Monterrey, Mexico.
2017-2019 – Served as Academic Director at ARTE A.C. / Tec de Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico.
2019 – Completed Master’s degree in Fine Arts at UANL, Monterrey, Mexico.
2020 – Began PhD studies at UANL while living in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas.
2022 – Conducted a research stay at Gothenburg University, Sweden.
2023 – Completed a research stay at Chiba University, Tokyo, Japan.
2023 – Concluded teaching practice at Tec de Monterrey.
2024 – Earned a PhD in Philosophy with a focus on Culture from UANL, Monterrey, Mexico.
2024 – Earned a research diploma in Anthropology of Religion from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), Mexico City.
2025 – Visual Anthropology Research Paper “Cultural and Historical Perspectives: Ancient Civilizations and Diverse Cosmogonies in Japanese Anime and Entertainment Media”, Research Journal “ATITAS”, UANL, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.
