Felipe Jasso is a Mexican-born artist now based in Calgary who explores themes of identity, gender, and death. Through his work, Jasso brings together different cultures and challenges perceptions. In this Q&A, he invites us to reflect on our identities and how we express ourselves.
How do your Mexican roots and traditions influence your work?
“Everything I do is influenced by my culture. After 17 years here, I still refer to Mexico as ‘back home.’ No matter where you go, your people will always be your people, and your culture will stay with you.
“When it comes to art, colour plays a significant role. Although a lot of my works may seem monochromatic, I intentionally incorporate vivid colours: yellows, blues, and especially reds.
“One of the most important themes in my work is the Day of the Dead. I still explore it as I connect it to my personal experiences with loved ones who have passed. It’s a way for me to grieve, in my way, which is very much the Mexican way. It’s not necessarily sad; it’s just a way to keep people in mind and remember those we’ve lost.”
Your photography often focuses on the male form and nudity. What draws you to this subject matter?
“I’m a queer artist, which explains a lot about my work. There’s a strong culture of beauty and body image in the queer community. I’ve also always been a fan of classical art, particularly from the Renaissance, and I think that imagery has stayed with me.
“In my photography, the men often pose in uncomfortable ways, and you can sometimes see the delicate message in their expressions. At first glance, the image might seem attractive or even erotic, but the more you look, the more hidden struggles you notice… There’s a sense of fighting for happiness, and I identify with that deeply.”
How has your identity within the LGBTQ+ community influenced your artistic journey?
“Initially, it was very hard for me to have even a small exhibition in the queer community because I felt so insecure talking about myself in front of people. But as my work evolved, I started feeling more comfortable in my skin as a queer individual.
“Now, I feel more involved in the queer community and am happy if I can support others. Currently, I’m diving into deeper themes in my photography and engaging in this inner conversation. I’ve heard that we never really come out of the closet, which means there’s always something new to explore for everyone.”
How do you balance masculinity and sensitivity in your work?
“I don’t work with professional models; most of the people I shoot are people I know, even if it’s just a little. I aim to connect with them on a deeper level, encouraging them to let go of their self-perceptions as much as possible.
“I do very long photo sessions, so they get tired of pretending. We start with light conversations, but then I gradually throw in more personal topics. As I keep shooting and become quieter, their expressions shift — I know they reflect on their issues. I’m definitely not pushing boundaries, but if they’re open to it, I can go deeper and capture more personal moments.”
Is your work a means of changing societal perspectives, or is it more of a personal expression?
“I don’t think I’ll ever aim to change society’s perspective with my work. When it comes to gender, my focus is on understanding myself and making a statement that I’m here and have value. Despite a lot of my work reflecting struggles, I’m okay with that. It’s important to acknowledge that you’re cool with who you are. We’re all unique individuals with our own kind of weirdness.
“If my work ever changes perceptions, I’d be honoured, but also scared.”
What is your understanding of beauty?
“To me, the most beautiful thing is confidence. Often, those who are truly confident can be perceived as arrogant or egocentric. While there are certainly limits to this, I appreciate individuals who are happy to share who they are — those who are not afraid to express themselves, regardless of age, gender, or past experiences. When I see someone confidently navigating through society, it’s the most beautiful thing to me.
“Even in my portraits, the visual impact comes from being authentic and showing that true self to others.”
This Q&A was created as part of a collaboration with Arts Commons, who delved deeper into Felipe’s artistic practice. Together, we aim to foster more dialogue around the arts in Calgary by providing more platforms to share stories of Calgary’s artists.
To see more of Felipe Jasso’s work or to contact him, visit his website at felipejasso.com or Instagram @felipejassophotos.
