Born in San Francisco, Carlos Villa (1936 – 2013), was an Asian-American of Filipino descent. He once described himself as “a Filipino not born in the Philippines—I am an American, not fully accepted because I am a Filipino in America.”
Villa’s work explored cultural diversity and identity. He lived in Los Angeles and New York in the 1960s, but returned to San Francisco in 1969. There he began teaching art and became involved with multicultural activism.
Image 1: “Tatu”, 1969, ink on itec print, 22”x 18”
Image 2: Black and white photograph of Carlos Villa by Irene Poon, 1997
Leading the way : Asian American artists of the older generation Photographic portraits and biographical sketches by Irene Poon ; [introduction by Paul Karlstrom ; foreword by Nanying Stella Wong ; historical essay by Lorraine Dong]. Poon, Irene. Wenham, Mass. : Gordon College, 2001. 108 p. : ill. (some col.), ports. ; 31 cm. "The creativity and careers of the pioneering artists featured in this publication is the subject of a ground-breaking exhibition at Gordon College. Selected art works and Irene Poon's photographic portraits of these senior Asian American artists provide an insightful introduction to the Asian American artists who led the way in the decades of the 30s through the 60s. Many of these artists continue to be productive in the 21st century."--BOOK JACKET. English 2001 HOLLIS number: 990087693250203941
