PhD Student; Latin American Art, Social Events Coordinator; GSHAAA, HAA Diversity & Inclusion Committee
she/her/hers
Leah Olivo is a PhD student interested in studying art of the African diaspora in Latin America, with a particular focus on art of the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Her dissertation extends her master’s thesis paper: “Curating Dominicanidad: The Racialized Visual Culture of Dominican National Identity.” She is interested in the formation of Dominican national identity against the backdrop of its neighbor, Haiti, who immediately defined itself as a Black nation following independence. Both early republican national identities continue to play a role in international perception, sociopolitical relations, policies, and the identity of its citizens and descendant communities.
Leah is also dedicated to increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion within academia and the art world through various committee work and mentorship. She has held internship positions at The Menil Collection, the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, and the Davis Museum at Wellesley College.
MA Paper:
“Curating Dominicanidad: The Racialized Visual Culture of Dominican National Identity”
Research Interests:
- Modern and Contemporary Afro-Caribbean and Afro-Latine/Latin American Art
2024-2025:
History of Art & Architecture Diversity & Inclusion Committee
2023-2024:
Social Events Coordinator, Graduate Student History of Art & Architecture Association
History of Art & Architecture Diversity & Inclusion Committee
2022-2023:
History of Art & Architecture Diversity & Inclusion Committee