Slenka Botello is a PhD student in the Department of Art and Architectural History, and she is the AHGA Academic Chair for 2025. Originally from Colombia, she joins the program as a Fulbright Scholar, bringing with her a deep passion for exploring the intersections of art, culture, and history.  

 

Her research interests focus on feminist art history in Latin America and digital humanities methods in data management and data visualization. She is particularly interested in examining intellectual networks of women artists from the 20th century in Colombia. Slenka is enrolled in the DH Certificate to complement her academic path.  

 

Her previous research experience has focused on the category of "monstrosity" to analyze European travelers' representations of indigenous South Americans from a decolonial perspective. She has also analyzed the place of demonic and sinful bodies in 18th-century Jesuit Mexican and Colombian art. With a background in art-based research and teaching art history to artists, as well as a deep love for DIY zine projects, Slenka is excited to contribute to the vibrant academic community in Charlottesville.