Oscar Magallanes was born June 11th, 1976 in Duarte, CA. He grew up just a few miles away in the Azusa barrio. His artwork is heavily influenced by the cultural and social elements of his upbringing. He recalls, “The first art I saw were murals of Zapata and Mexica glyphs from the Chicano movement. These were juxtaposed next to homeboy role calls and Old English writing. I didn't see a gallery or museum until I was 15.” After being expelled from high school at the age of fifteen, Oscar was accepted into the Ryman Arts program. He returned to Gladstone High School, receiving his diploma in 1994. At the age of 19 he moved to Phoenix, Arizona, returning in 1996 with a degree in Visual Communication. He currently resides in the city of Pomona California.

Oscar worked as an active member of the Artist Co-op at the historic Opera Garage in the Pomona Artist Colony from 1998 to 2003 sharing his studio with the non-profit organization Project L.E.A.D.S. Oscar also worked on building a coalition of Chican@ artist called Mental Menudo that provided a forum for some of the best living Chican@ artist in the LA area. In December 2005/January 2006, Oscar served as a representative with a People of Color Delegation, visiting the autonomous zones established and governed by the Zapatistas in Chiapas, Mexico. Oscar was also co-founder and Art Director of Chican@ Art Magazine. Currently Oscar is serving his 3rd year as the Chair of the Ryman Arts Alumni Association and Alumni Representative on the Board of Directors. He is also a board member for Self Help Graphics.