Camilo Villa, he/him & they/them, migrated from Colombia at the bright age of 19 to expand on his budding artistic career. They consider San Francisco a beacon for Queer liberation that continues to inspire them. “When I depict the Queer Latinx community in my work, I often think about how their bravery and unapologetic search for freedom continues to provide a platform for other Queer artists like me to honor their legacy.” ⁠

Villa’s current series ‘Decolonizing Gender’ “brings light to the Zapotec Muxe community, a recognized third gender that has persisted despite colonial times in El Istmo de Tehuantepec.” They aim to reclaim and decolonize gender outside of the European binary system “that [has] erased Queer indigenous communities, such as the Muxes.” Villa employs vibrant hues and energized line work to capture individuals and couples representing the Muxe community adorned in traditional garments.⁠

We asked Villa: What does Pride mean to you?⁠
“For me, pride means seeing the beauty in us despite the hatred surrounding us. It means being able to shine with courage as we honor all of our Queer elders who fought for the freedom we are able to experience today. The freedom that could be taken away from us if we are too naive to think that the work is done. Pride doesn't end with the legalization of marriage equality or same-sex adoption, it extends beyond these legal matters and manifests in the way we stand up for each and every member of our LGBTQIA+ community on a daily basis.”⁠

Villa worked at Mission Bowling Club from June 6-September 6, 2022, and also at the Berkeley Art Center for their Juried Members Exhibition in July 2022.

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