Today we’d like to introduce you to Mario Villanueva.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Let’s see… I was born in Mexico, Tula, Tamaulipas to be exact, in 1992. My family and I moved to the states when I was three, I grew up as the oldest of four, and I became a permanent resident of the US when I was nine. I’d say some of the top influences that contributed to my growing up experience would be: growing up in a small town between Houston and Galveston, Texas, being the eldest of four, navigating my queerness in a Mexican/ Mexican-American household, and being an immigrant. I left my hometown, Dickinson, Texas when I was nineteen to attend Texas State University in San Marcos, TX. I graduated with a BFA-Studio Art in the winter of 2015. During college, I was involved with several organizations like IGSanMarcos, FASA (Fine Arts Student Association), HBSA (Hispanic Business Student Association), I worked as a studio assistant for a bit, and I got to co-coordinate an art show at MOHA (Museum of Human Achievement) in Austin, Texas during my last year in college. As soon as I graduated, I moved to Austin, Texas to pursue my career goals within the arts.
Since living in Austin, I’ve met and collaborated with several talented friends, worked for a few art museums like the Blanton Museum of Art and Mexic-Arte Museum and I continue to do so. At the moment, I work for The Contemporary Austin as the Experience and Engagement Manager and I also practice as an artist. I showcased artwork, most recently, at OUTsider Fest, an annual queer films and arts festival hosted in Austin, Texas and for The Center for Cultural Power, a nonprofit based in California. I’d say my biggest motivators in life right now are myself, my family, specifically my nieces and nephews, and curiosity, let’s see how far I can go. With everything that has happened these past few years, COVID-19, trumps presidency, the killing of George Floyd and several other Black folks, Black Lives Matter protests, police brutality, school shootings, ease on gun policies, strict laws on voting, abortion, LGBTQ rights from corrupt politicians, the list goes on. I find myself still processing. How do we continue to move forward while also acknowledging that we’ve collectively experienced this trauma? How do we hold each other accountable, while still allowing ourselves to participate in progress? My goals at the moment involve my dedication and participation within the arts community in town as an artist and museum arts professional, relearning how to navigate public spaces after quarantine, and learning how to love myself.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road hasn’t always been so smooth, but I’ve also had moments where I’ve achieved really great things due to the hard work and effort I’ve put into myself and the things that I want. The very first obstacle I’d say I faced was moving to the states from Mexico. My parents grew up without having a lot of the opportunities and freedoms others grow up having in a place like the US. Most of my family, including myself, came to this country illegally. I was three years old when my mom and I crossed the border. At the age of nine, I became a US permanent resident along with several others in my family. I have yet to become a US citizen. Another obstacle would be getting into college. This was done with the help of the Upward Bound Program, a college prep organization made up of individuals who saw something in me and believed I could when I didn’t see it myself. I’m 100% sure I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for their guidance and dedicated support. Recently, one of the biggest obstacles I’ve faced was losing two close family members during quarantine. Not to go into too much detail, but one of them was my 25 years old cousin who I grew up with and the other was my grandmother due to COVID. Having this happen in a time where has been so much death and grief has been an experience like no other, let alone not being able to be present at their time of death or funerals. I think we all know this feeling all too well. A shared trauma.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an art museum professional having worked with The Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and currently at The Contemporary Austin as the Experience and Engagement Manager aka front-of-house events manager. I am also an artist with experience in oil paints, mixed media, and photography. I recently featured artwork at OUTsider Fest 2022, an annual queer arts festival that takes place in Austin, TX. I am also a social media influencer having worked with brands and organizations like Fossil, Express, The National Park Foundation, SXSW, Budweiser, REI, Subaru, and more.
I am most proud of all the achievements that have led me to where I am now. I am an immigrant, first-generation, queer, and eldest of four siblings. I grew up poor, I’ve experienced racism first hand (and still do), and I’m a person of color. My identity have made it hard for me to be present in certain spaces, but I managed to get there.
What sets me apart from others? I’d say it’s my ability to be whoever I want to be, not following certain expectations society puts forward, saying no when I need to, and walking away from situations when they no longer serve me. It’s a long process and it’s still taking shaping me.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Podcasts are my go-to when it comes to keeping up with the world. Currently, I religiously listen to Pod Save the People. Waiting on Reparation’s, Code Switch, Food 4 Thot, and Latino USA. Most of these podcasts focus on social justice, understanding the US and capitalism’s dark history, and understanding ways on working collaboratively for a better future.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mjvc.rocks/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjvc.rocks/
Image Credits
Img_A: Photo by Elio Winter @eliowinter Img_B: Self-Portrait, 2021 Img_C: Self-Portrait, 2020 Img_D: Thursday, June 14, 2018, 2021 Detail
