Erika Hirugami

Erika Hirugami is a Lecturer at UCLA’s Chicano Studies Department and a doctoral candidate, bridging aesthetics with immigration policy advocacy. She is founder/CEO of CuratorLove, co-founder of UNDOC+Collective, and ED of AHSC. Her research focuses on the aesthetics of undocumentedness, labor politics, and institutional accountability in art systems.

• Education: BAs in Art History, Chicano Studies, Mexican Studies (UCLA); MA in Chicanx Studies (UCLA); MAAB from Sotheby’s Institute of Art.

Her work critiques necropolitical structures in Mexican aesthetics and develops emancipatory policies for undocumented artists. Curatorial projects span global institutions, emphasizing community-driven practices. Awards include the CCI Catalyst Award and NALAC Fellowship. Courses taught include 'Aesthetics of Undocumentedness' and 'Latinx Immigration (Art) Policy.'

• Grants: Getty/Kress Fellowships, Graduate Council Diversity Fellowship.
• Leadership: Arts for LA Fellow, NALAC NLI Fellow.

Labs/Teams: Active in UNDOC+Collective, AHSC, and curatorial networks advocating for Latinx art equity.