Jorge Villarreal (b.1986) is a multidisciplinary artist with a background in architecture, fine arts, and photography within the U.S. and abroad. Raised in McAllen, TX, a border town, Villarreal is a first- generation Mexican American whose upbringing was defined by constant motion and transition. Immersed in two distinct cultures, he navigated the boundaries between the two countries and contemplated which side of the border best represented his identity. This early experience instilled in Villarreal a unique and dichotomous perspective, which continues to inspire and guide his work as an artist.

Jorge Villarreal investigates the tension of the “between” of being both ‘of’ and ‘othered.’ he is interested in the use of one culture’s language and uses it to investigate and challenge the other. He employ color, symbolism, ritual, and iconography to explore divisions that are personal, physical, spiritual, and political.

Villarreal’s work has been exhibited in various cities, including New York City, Miami, San Antonio, College Station, El Paso, Ciudad Juarez, Seoul, Berlin, Paris, Mexico City, and Havana. He was awarded a residency at the Künstlerhaus Bethanien through The Contemporary Berlin Residency Program, participated in the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) Immigrant Artist Mentoring Program, and in 2024, Villarreal was selected to exhibit in the Border Biennial simultaneously held in El Paso, TX, and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.

Currently, he maintains a studio in San Antonio, Texas.