A R T I S T ’ S    S T A T E M E N T

If no one’s trying to censor you, then you’re probably not doing anything that important.

I explore themes of cultural identity, because as Latinos, we are often erased from the social portrait. and then when you add being queer to that, we can really disappear. But I also think that the “positive image” strategy can be a trap, and as an artist, I feel responsible for showing art that is not only beautiful but truthful.

I want my work to be accessible, always giving the viewer a way into the image. I feel that “high art” often excludes people, and I am strongly against that. I think art should invite people in, and engage them in a conversation, esthetic, political, philosophical, erotic, whatever.

When I make art, my intended audience is not only the person that attends museums and galleries. I feel very strongly that art belongs in the streets. Putting art in the streets has been part of Latino culture for a long time, and we see it all the time, from murals to graffiti. I consider myself part of that tradition. I think art belongs in the street, and on the street is a lot of art

-Hector Silva

Hector Silva is an artist based in Los Angeles who has been producing work for more than twenty years. Born in Ocotlan, Jalisco, Mexico, he moved to the US at the age of 17. He began drawing in his late 20’s when he discovered his own talent.

He created his first portrait in 1982 of Lucille Ball. This drawing somehow reached her hands and she contacted Hector to acquire the original in 1984. This marked the beginning of his commercial career.

As the recipient of both San Diego’s prestigious Sandie and Nicky Awards, Hector’s talent was immediately recognized in Southern California. His gift was clearly and instantly evident; especially when one considers the fact he is completely self-taught. In 1997, Hector received this First Prize in Single Figure form the Tom of Finland Foundation’s Erotic Art Contest.

Hector has participated in the exhibitions at the Museum of Art in Balboa Park, the Tom of inland Gallery, and the Advocate Gallery at the Ed Gould Village. Some publications that have featured his artwork are the Paper/Golden Hill, The Eagle, and The Update. He also worked on films including “Back to the Future II” and “For the Boys.” He has been featured in several magazines such as Adelante, QV, and Tentaciones. He was also in the premiere issue of Instigator Magazine.