BombChicago recently had the honor of sitting down with Pilsen artist Gabriel Villa.   Originally from Texas, Villa graduated from the University of Delaware with an MFA.  His art has been featured in galleries and museums globally, including: the Mexican Fine Arts Center, Chicago, IL.; Muertos Galeria Indigo, Centro Oaxaca, Mexico; Au Studio del Ermitage, Paris, France; and in Plzen, Czech Republic.  In addition, he has been commissioned to paint murals at various buildings and business throughout the city.  For a complete list, and to view his art, please visit Villa’s site.

Launch Video Player!

Villa moved to Pilsen nine years ago, and his art has since been greatly influenced by the city, both just outside his studio and beyond.   Villa enjoys photographing the residents, alleys, and the structures of Chicago - in Pilsen especially, and uses these snapshots to create visually inspiring, thought-provoking commentaries on the city life.

In May 2009, Villa was commissioned to paint a mural on a privately-owned building in the Bridgeport neighborhood of Chicago.  Less than two weeks after it’s completion, the Alderman of Bridgeport, James Balcer, ordered the Graffiti Blasters to whitewash the mural.  For more info, please read our earlier article.   We were very excited to meet with Gabriel Villa and find out where things stand with his fight against the city for destroying his artwork and stepping on his rights.

To see a recreation (on paper) of the mural that Alderman Balcer and the Bridgeport police found offensive, please check out Gabriel Villa’s upcoming show at Antena Gallery.

We would love to speak with Alderman Balcer to get his side of the story but so far our calls to his office have gone unanswered.

To Watch This Entire 12 Minute Long Interview Please Enter Your Details To The Right Under “Join Our Movement”

Once You’ve Confirmed Your Email Address (We Hate To Have You Jump Through Hoops, But We Hate SPAM Even More) You’ll Get Your First Welcome Message From Us Which Will Include A Link To The Private Membership Area.

We Hope You Enjoy The Videos And We Look Forward To Your Feedback!