Gaia Ellen WXYZ

Gaia Ellen WXYZ (they/them/theirs) is an Adjunct Professor in the Critical Ethnic Studies Program at California College of the Arts (CCA), where they contribute to interdisciplinary scholarship at the intersection of art, identity, and social justice. Their academic and creative work bridges pedagogy and visual storytelling.

Their research interests include:

• Critical Ethnic Studies
• Comics and Visual Narrative
• Decolonial and Critical Race Theories
• Queer and Gender Theory
• Art as Activism

As a lifelong comics creator and illustrator, Gaia integrates creative practice into their scholarly engagement. They earned a Master of Comics from California College of the Arts, graduating in August 2020. Their work often explores themes of belonging, resistance, and marginalized identities. Though no formal advisees or publications are listed, their involvement in CCA’s academic and artistic communities—including participation in CANVAS (CCA’s Advanced Network for Visionary Artists and Scholars)—reflects an active role in shaping critical discourse. Gaia also engages with public-facing art and education, selling comics through @silversprocket and contributing to community-based initiatives. Their work embodies a commitment to equity, inclusion, and decolonial praxis in both educational and artistic spaces.