Carlos Israel Villarreal is a Texas-based Fine Art Photographer and Filmmaker. His work has appeared in Rolling Stone and on MTV and his films have been screened at SXSW and the Oaxaca Film Festival. He studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, holds a BA in Communication with an emphasis in Media Production, and is currently a Graduate Student seeking his MFA in Photography from Texas A&M Corpus Christi. As a founder and the Managing General Partner of Produce Goods, Carlos oversees a design studio, production company, and fashion house specializing in creative problem-solving.
Artist Statement
Villarreal’s work investigates the South Texas minority family life within the context of this current American moment. In this series of images, Villarreal utilizes the space between cinematic and documentary photography in order to challenge notions of race, privilege, and power. Through autobiography, symbolism, lighting, staging, performance, and documentation he subtly reveals tensions inherent in the complex condition of the Mexican American experience.
