$8,000

Artwork Description

Villalobos' latest solo exhibition, Fuertes y Firmes, serves as both a continuation and an expansion of his previous work, De Los Otros. Rooted in his personal history as a descendant of bracero workers, this exhibition delves into the significant yet often overlooked narrative of queer braceros. Unlike De Los Otros, which was focused on a specific individual, Fuertes y Firmes offers an intimate exploration of the vulnerability and tenderness within the bracero community. Villalobos examines the complex process of performing masculinity as a means to secure employment contracts, shedding light on the harsh and rigorous screenings these workers endured. Through his art, he underscores the violence of assimilation while celebrating the resilience of self-preservation.