About me
Victor Vargas Villafuerte was born in 1980 in Mexico City. He received a BSc in Actuarial Sciences from the National Autonomous University of Mexico. He participated in Lazaro Blanco’s photography workshop at the Lake House Cultural Center. He moved to Montreal in 2008 to study and work as a filmmaker and photographer. He got a DEC in professional photography from Dawson College.
He won many awards in film festivals around the world and was nominated to the Mexican Academy of Film Award in 2013 for his documentary “Paal”. His still photography has been recognized worldwide including a first prize at the Sony World Photo Awards in 2012 and exhibits in Canada, Mexico, France, China and the UK. He received the Vivacite Montreal grant from the CALQ for his project “La Mitad Lejana”. Victor is represented by The Print Atelier. Currently he works and lives in Montreal.
Artist statement
Constructed Photography
My work is an exploration of the dark side on everyday life, existence and nature. Ever since I was a child I have been attracted by the fascination/repulsion duality inherent in the uncanny. I see the process of creation as a personal exorcism ritual, where I try to discover an inherent seductiveness and beauty in what radiates a latent hideousness.
I want to confront the viewers with their own perceptions, to make them reconsider their cultural conditioning and end up with a more conscious insight
of the darkness in our existence.
Documentary
In this era known for its overwhelming production of images, I believe in the creation of perennial images, which encourage the dialogue with the public. By exploring contemporary situations, my photographic approach allows me to reveal social complexities, highlighting both the positive and negative elements that compose them. Through this work, I want to build bridges of communication and foster an increased awareness of our current reality, as well as our collective past and future.
Photography
“La moitié lointaine” (January, 2019). Maison de Culture du Plateau-Mont Royal. Montreal, Canada.
Selected group exhibitions
“Los Esqueletos de la Señora Morales” w/ Federico Carbajal (December 2017). Instituto Cultural de México / Espacio México, Montreal, Canada.
“Mobilità” (September, 2017). Maxville, Montreal, Canada.
“Rite de Passage” (October, 2015). SID LEE’s head office, Montreal, Canada.
“Carbon” (May, 2014). Neubacher Gallery, Toronto, Canada.
“Hector García Photography Biennal” (March, 2013). Hector Garcia Foundation Gallery, Mexico.
“Sony World Photo Awards” (April, 2012). Sommerset House, London, UK.
“Street Photography Now Exhibition” (July, 2011). 18 Exmouth Market, London, UK.
“Flash Expo” (May, 2011). Gallery Centre Culturel Valery Larbaud. Vichy, France.
“Laisse Moi Voir” (May, 2010). Gallery “Le Cercle”. Quebec, Canada.
“Canadian Cameras At Work” (August, 2009). Three Shadows Photography Center. Beijing, China.
“El Cielo Desde México” (August, 2009). Museum Universum. Mexico City, Mexico.
“Oficios en Bicicleta” (June, 2008). Centro Cultural España de la Ciudad de México, Mexico.
“El Cielo Desde México” (Abril, 2008). Museum Universum. Mexico City, Mexico.
“Mirada Joven” (Diciembre, 2007). Palacio de Minería. Mexico City, Mexico.
Films
“Paal” 21 min, documentary, 2012. Co-director, co-producer, photography
“Ciudad Huacal” 10 min, documentary, 2008. Photography
Awards
Vivacité Montreal / CALQ. Grant (2013)
International Photography Awards / Digitally Enhanced. Honorable Mention (2012)
Sony World Photo Awards / Open Category Enhanced Images. First Prize (2012)
DOCSDF / Short Documentary / Best Cinemaphotography (2012)
PDNedu / Fine Art-Personal Work. Grand Prize (2012)
Laisse-Moi Voir contest organized by Quebec’s National Fine Arts Museum. Jury Prize (2010)
El Cielo Desde México / Light Pollution Category. First Prize (2009)