Ken Gonzales-Day Highlights the Marginalized Figures in History

Ken Gonzales-Day: Unveiling Historical Erasure through Art

LOS ANGELES — Ken Gonzales-Day, a renowned artist and scholar, utilizes his work to address the historical exclusion of gay and Latinx individuals from mainstream narratives. His art, such as that featured in the “History’s ‘Nevermade'” exhibition at USC’s Fisher Museum of Art, is especially relevant amidst ongoing political efforts to erase such histories, like the Trump administration’s attempts to purge LGBTQ content from Smithsonian museums.

One of Gonzales-Day’s notable projects, “Bone-Grass Boy: The Secret Banks of the Conejos River,” explores the lack of diversity in American West history. This project includes a book of fiction and a series of photographs wherein Gonzales-Day transforms himself into various characters via digital techniques.

Troubled by immigration policies during the Bush era, Gonzales-Day researched the lynchings of marginalized groups in California, culminating in poignant photographic works and his book “Lynching in the West: 1850–1935.” His projects, “Searching for California Hang Trees” and the ongoing “Erased Lynching” series, highlight the violence and historical erasure faced by these communities. By removing victims from historical photos, Gonzales-Day visually metaphorizes their absence from history and societal disregard.

The artist also critiques racial bias in museum collections, evidenced in his “Profiled” series which arranges sculptures from the Getty Museum by color. His work subtly posits equality and shared humanity across cultures. Additionally, Gonzales-Day’s photos of Latinx men and queer friends during the COVID-19 pandemic convey moments of vulnerability and trust.

“Ken Gonzales-Day: History’s ‘Nevermade'” remains on display at USC’s Fisher Museum of Art until March 14, 2026, inviting viewers to confront uncomfortable histories and embrace a more inclusive narrative.