When his family had their immigration photos taken before moving from Nicaragua to Canada at the age of 10, Wilmer Aburto became fascinated with the camera. Soon after, he began photographing friends and family members, eventually making it his career.
Today, he’s an established artist whose works have been exhibited at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, featured on the cover of FREQ Magazine, and selected for the Italian publication Imago Mundi, exhibited alongside the Venice Biennale. He celebrates bodies, culture, vulnerability, and queer identity.
Beyond photography, Aburto has become a visible force in Calgary’s queer community, serving as creative community lead for the Calgary Queer Arts Society and curating Alphabet Mafia, a celebration of 2SLGBTQIA+ art, dance, and culture.
In conversation, Aburto reflected on his artistic evolution through early photographs, personal memories, and stories behind some of his most intimate works. Growing up, he was often told to be stronger, more masculine. Instead, he has become a fighter — on his own terms.
What were your early photographs like, and how did you find your artistic voice?
“When I got my first camera, I was 10. I used to take pictures of my little cousins and family members. I’d choose their outfits and basically direct the entire photo shoot. It was a 110mm camera, and the negatives were tiny.
“What inspired me most was photographing people. It always reminded me of the first time I had my own photo taken. Before moving to Canada, we went to a studio to get immigration photos done, and I remember that experience feeling magical, like I was invited into something special. That’s what planted the seed for my fascination with photography. It makes people feel seen.
“Now I see that same vision evolving through representation, visibility, and equal opportunities for communities that have historically been underserved.”
Why are nude portraits such a central part of your work?
“It comes down to visibility and recognizing the strength within vulnerability. Being nude is a very vulnerable position, but what could be a moment of vulnerability turns into a moment of power for the person in front of the camera.
“I’ve been honoured to witness that transformation during photo shoots, moments where people step fully into themselves, into their world, through the experience.”
Did you face criticism for your work? How did you navigate it?
“It definitely has happened before, and it still happens.
“I would encourage anyone experiencing oppression to remember to care for themselves and approach those moments with compassion. We can navigate those situations however we feel we need to at that time.
“I also believe it’s important to speak up. I’ve dedicated my entire career to speaking openly about my experiences in the arts and hoping those conversations would resonate with people. And when we speak up collectively, there’s power in that.”
What makes it difficult for people to feel confident in themselves artistically today?
“From my experience, there have been systems that prevent people from accessing opportunities and resources equally.
“As a child, my perception of Calgary was deeply multicultural. But when I entered art school, I suddenly found myself in spaces that felt very different. I experienced injustice, mistreatment that happens when we don’t all look the same or that we’re not all part of one group.
“That was tough. I realized I wasn’t always welcomed, and I still find that I’m knocking on doors. But I’m creating a path to open those doors and to bring my voice into those spaces.”
What is the best way to open those doors?
“Art. It carried me through some of the most challenging periods of my life. And I think that’s true for many artists.
“Creativity is the force that allows us to bring our voices into spaces where we haven’t always been invited.”
“The biggest message I have for the community in Calgary is this: the more we understand that we’re all working toward the same outcome, the stronger we become.”
Poetic Justice
“This series was part of the exhibition and book titled Poetic Justice.
“Interestingly, many of the titles are connected to boxing. Growing up, my dad wanted me to be more masculine like my two brothers. He bought boxing gloves and had them fight me in a ring they built in our basement.
“At the time, I thought I was building strength, but not the kind they intended. I was learning the resilience that I needed.
“When the series was exhibited in Chicago, I walked into the gallery and saw my work in the center with the word ‘Power’ on the wall, written with big bold letters. I had tears in my eyes.”
Disciples of Love
“I was browsing a bookstore looking for inspiration for my next project. I picked up a book of contemporary portrait photography and realized I didn’t see anyone who looked like me.
“That moment reminded me that I needed to keep doing the work I wanted to see. So, I did the next series, which is this one.
“For me, it’s important to create sacred spaces where these portraits can live and be experienced fully, where people can see beauty and resilience.
Fun Facts
What piece of your work are you most proud of?
“I feel like the best creation I’ve made as an artist is my own voice.”
What’s your favourite queer project in the city?
“Vogue YYC.”
What are you hoping to explore next in your work?
“I’m excited to keep exploring the creative potential in this city and collaborating with the amazing people here. Together, we can be such a force.”
This Q&A was created in collaboration with Werklund Centre.
See Calgary Queer Arts Society Presents, an exhibition curated by Wilmer Aburto at the +15 Galleries, and celebrate it at the June 25 Art Party.
Wilmer Aburto: @wilmerphotography
