ARTIST STATEMENT
This photography collage is of places that are close to my heart (soul). There are two photos of places in México. One is of my grandma’s house in Mexico City, the other is the house which my mom’s family still has from her pueblo in the province of Tlaxcala. There’s also an image of the famous arch in the Little Village neighborhood in Chicago, where I grew up. Another photos is of a forest preserve that is near my house. And then the final image is of a pagan (Druid) ritual table that was held in a forest preserve in the West/Northwest suburbs of Chicago. I created this work to illustrate my life journey of going through these different environments and how I ended up being proud of my identity, by going to several pagan rituals/events. The land (and honoring it) was one of the reasons why I am who I am right now. I’m a non-binary Latine/Latinx. Both of my parents come from México, but I know more of my mom’s family, who are of Nahua Tlaxcallan descent. While on a trip to Europe a few years ago, I learned that I have a Spanish great-grandfather. I am born and raised in the Chicago area. I have graduated from Roosevelt University, and from there along with gaining privileges that I have never had before, I am giving back to those in need however I can.
© David Villegas