Hugo Ximello-Salido (B. 1982) is a multidisciplinary, Mexican artist whose work explores cultural identity, personal identity, communication, connection, and more. Born and raised in Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco, Mexico, Ximello-Salido’s natural creativity and passion for creating art stems from a family background full of artists. Upon moving to the United States, new inspirations emerged from initial cultural shocks, new communities, and new relationships, which prompted him to develop his own style and techniques.
Ximello-Salido’s early work was primarily inspired by the traditions and colors of Mexican folk culture. Through a fusion of folkloric symbols, old-world history, and explorations of language and contemporary social issues, the artist creates a dialogue about identity and culture that abounds with color, texture, and meaning. He continues to find inspiration in the intersection of various communities, especially the Mexican and LGBT communities, and strives to convey distinct yet universal perspectives to the viewer through his work.
Ximello-Salido practiced and lived in Kansas City for many years and built strong, ongoing relationships with local artists and institutions. While in Kansas City, his artwork was extensively exhibited in educational settings and at prominent museums (including the Nelson-Atkins and the Kansas City Museum), as well as at many libraries, galleries, art centers, and art fairs. Having recently relocated to Santa Fe, New Mexico, he finds himself inspired by its natural beauty, cultural vibrance, and renowned art scene.
Ximello-Salido’s artwork have been exhibited in galleries and at events in Mexico, across the United States (including at Agora Gallery in New York City), and in Europe, and the artist has been featured in several print articles and documentaries.
Ximello-Salido's current project features his documentary -MUXE: The Language of Art & Culture-an artist's journey through the perception of Gender Fluidity in Oaxaca, Mexico. World Premier on Friday, June 28th, 2024 at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, MO, 7:00PM CT.
Overlapping with the year long Latino/Hispanic Exhibition “A Layered Presence- Una Presencia Estratificada” October 2023-September 2024, where Ximello-Salido's art piece inspired by gender fluidity "The Finesse of Gender Fluidity" will be still on displayed allowing spectators a better understanding of Gender Fluidity, Art & Culture. Recent showings of Ximello-Salido’s work include:
-SEPTEMBER 2024, Lincoln Memorial University, "The Path to Gender Fluidity" -Mountain Fiesta-Cumberland Gap, TN -MARCH 2024, Mesilla Valley Community of Hope, Public Art-"The Tuning of Gender Fluidity"- Las Cruses, NM -AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2024, Slocum Galleries- Tipton Gallery, "Migration: Latinx Exhibition", Johnson City, TN -JUNE 28TH 2024, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art~World Premiere-"MUXE: The Language of Art & Culture" KCMO -JUNE 12th- JULY 6th 2024, Prism Arts~Gruet Winery "Gender, Culture & Tradition" Santa Fe, NM -JUNE 2024, Hugo Gabán, "Catrinas & Catrines a Celebration of Life", Santa Fe, NM -APRIL 23rd- MAY10th 2024, Strata Gallery, "Inner Sanctuaries: Exploring Domestic Spaces", Santa Fe, NM -FEBRUARY 2024, Hugo Gabán, "Gender Fluidity in Its Complexity", Santa Fe, NM -OCTOBER 2023- SEPTEMBER 2024, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, "A Layered Presence", Kansas City, MO -SEPTEMBER 2023- SEPTEMBER 2025, Finalist Artist by juros of the "New Mexico Only Purchase Initiative", NM -MAY 2023- PRESENT-Kansas City Kansas Community College, "The Path to Gender Fluidity", Kansas City, KS -NOVEMBER-JANUARY 2023, 80 Santa Fe Gallery, "Small Works", Overland Park, KS -NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2023, Kansas City Artists Coalition, "Art For All", Kansas City, MO -JULY-OCTOBER 2023, Southwest Virginia Community College,"Corazon Latino" Ellen Elmes Gallery", Cedar Buff, VA -JULY 2023, Art Santa Fe,"Art Week Santa Fe" Contemporary art & Design Fair, Santa Fe, NM -JULY 2023, Parade of Homes Santa Fe,"31st Annual Parade of Homes" , Santa Fe, NM -JULY-AUGUST, 2023- Electra Gallery, “Cosmic Threads”, Santa Fe, NM -JULY 2023 - Santa Fe Convention Center, "Art Santa Fe", Santa Fe, NM -JUNE-JULY 2023, Interurban Arthouse, "Queer Narratives Festival", Overland Park, KS ~JUNE - JULY 2023- Ghostwolf Gallery, “Superfunkadelic”, Albuquerque, NM ~JUNE -JULY 2023 - 80 Santa Fe Gallery“Oh the Places We’ll Go”, Overland Park, KS ~MAY -JULY 2023 - Nelson Fine Art Center, "Corazon Latino" , Johnson City, TN -MAY 2023 - East Tennessee State University, "Corazon Latino Festival" , Johnson City, TN -MARCH/MAY 2023, East Tennessee State University-Tipton Gallery, "Conditional Surroundings" , Johnson City, TN -FEBRUARY 2023, Union Station Kansas City, "MAYA: Indigenous and Latino Art Exhibit", Kansas City, MO -JULY 2022, Buttomwood Gallery, "Rhythm & Revel", Kansas City, MO -JUNE 2022, Interurban Arthouse, "The Queer Experience" Overland Park, KS -JUNE 2022, The Studio Door, "Proud+ Art Exhibition", San Diego, California
ARTIST STATEMENT
As a native Mexican, culture and tradition are a vital part of my heritage. As a Mexican, I am fascinated by the dialogue between different cultures and traditions. As an artist, I explore personal experiences, emotions, and connections through the lens of my past and present in order to create a vibrant future.
My early work focused on the legacy of Mexican culture and its collision with the American experience. Major inspirations include Mexican colonial style, "La Catrina" (the elegant skull), and other culturally significant symbols such as La Loteria Mexicana (Mexican bingo), papel picado (perforated tissue paper), and Talavera. I use a variety of materials, including acrylics, oils, inks, gels, textiles, metals, sand, papier-mâché, and more to modernize, revive, and reinvent the Mexican art that inspires me.
Through each piece, I seek to convey a unique yet universal sense of being, feeling, or thought. I hope to challenge stereotypes, commercialization and commodification, and the arbitrary barriers we create between our shared humanity. My point of view emerges from varied perspectives on language, cultural differences, race, cultural bias, and more. My process is meditative and expressive, an expulsion of demons and a dispensation of beauty.
I find continuous inspiration through the celebration of life in all its complexity, ambiguity, and wonder. The work and legacies of other LGBT artists greatly influence my work, as do my connections with Mexican, Indigenous, and Queer communities. Notably, I draw significant inspiration from my relationships with and immersion in the Zapotec culture’s Muxe (third gender) community in southern Mexico. The expression of gender fluidity, especially in indigenous Mexican culture, is one of my central inspirations and a driving force behind my artistic exploration into diverse mediums and methods of creation.
By crafting original artworks inspired by Mexican folklore, diverse communities, and daily experiences, I endeavor to bridge the gap between past and present as a modern, Mexican artist.
EXHIBITIONS
SOLO
-JUNE 28TH 2024, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art ~World Premiere -"MUXE: The Language of Art & Culture" Kansas City, MO -JUNE 12th- JULY 6th 2024, Prism Arts~Gruet Winery "Gender, Culture & Tradition" Santa Fe, NM -JUNE 2024, Hugo Gabán, "Catrinas & Catrines a Celebration of Life", Santa Fe, NM -FEBRUARY 2024, Hugo Gabán, "Gender Fluidity in Its Complexity", Santa Fe, NM -MAY 2023-PRESENT , Kansas City Community College, "The Path to Gender Fluidity", Kansas City, KS -JANUARY-APRIL 2023, Blue Valley Library, "The Art & Culture of Gender Fluidity", Overland Park, KS -NOVEMBER 2022, Kansas City Kansas Public Library, "The Art & Culture of Gender Fluidity", Kansas City, KS -SEPTEMBER 2022, Habitat Contemporary Gallery,"The Art & Culture of Gender Fluidity", Kansas City, MO -OCTOBER 2021, Kansas City Museum, "MUXE: The Language of Art & Culture", Kansas City, MO -SEPTEMBER 2020, Cafe Trio, "Muxe Series", Kansas City, MO -NOVEMBER 2019, Kansas City Artists Coalition "Dead is Natural But Our Reaction to Dead Are Unnatural", KCMO -SEPTEMBER 2019,Cafe Trio "Solo Art Exhibit", Kansas City, MO -MARCH 2019, Bistro 303, "A Phallic Expression- an exhibit about male circumcision awareness", Kansas City, MO -SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER 2018, Blue Valley Library, “Art Views: Creativity and Culture in Kansas City”, OP, KS -OCTOBER 2018, All Souls Gallery, "Mis Catrinas", Kansas City, MO -AUGUST 2018, The Culinary Center of Kansas City, "Local Life", Kansas City, MO -MARCH 2018, Starbucks Art Gallery Space 39th St, Kansas City, MO -MARCH 2018, Second Presbyterian Church Brookside, Kansas City, MO -DECEMBER-JANUARY 2018, The Westside Local, Kansas City, MO -AUGUST 2016, Second Presbyterian Church Brookside, “Sugestiones Coloridas”, Kansas City, MO -SEPTEMBER 2015, Johnson County Community College, Hispanic Heritage Month, “Catrinas y Talavera”, Overland Park, KS -SEPTEMBER 2014, Johnson County Community College, Diversidad,” Catrinas y Algo Mas”, Overland Park, KS -APRIL 2011, Punto del Arte- Café/Galería, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico -FEBRUARY 2011, Centro Cultural Casa los Colomos, Secretaria de Cultura, “Brochazos de Jubilo”Guadalajara, Jalisco, México -MAY 2010, Scion Lab “Colors That Vibrate” Kansas City, MO -APRIL 2009, Private exhibit, “Contrast” Kansas City, MO
GROUP -SEPTEMBER 2024, Lincoln Memorial University, "The Path to Gender Fluidity" -Mountain Fiesta-Cumberland Gap, TN -MARCH 2024, Mesilla Valley Community of Hope, Public Art-"The Tuning of Gender Fluidity"- Las Cruses, NM -AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2024, Slocum Galleries- Tipton Gallery, "Migration: Latinx Exhibition", Johnson City, TN -APRIL 23rd- MAY10th 2024, Strata Gallery, "Inner Sanctuaries: Exploring Domestic Spaces", Santa Fe, NM -OCTOBER 2023- SEPTEMBER 2024, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, "A Layered Presence", Kansas City, MO -SEPTEMBER 2023- SEPTEMBER 2025, Finalist Artist by juros of the "New Mexico Only Purchase Initiative", NM -MAY 2023- PRESENT-Kansas City Kansas Community College, "The Path to Gender Fluidity", Kansas City, KS -NOVEMBER-JANUARY 2023, 80 Santa Fe Gallery, "Small Works", Overland Park, KS -NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2023, Kansas City Artists Coalition, "Art For All", Kansas City, MO -JULY-OCTOBER 2023, Southwest Virginia Community College,"Corazon Latino" Ellen Elmes Gallery", Cedar Buff, VA -JULY 2023, Art Santa Fe,"Art Week Santa Fe" Contemporary Art & Design Fair, Santa Fe, NM -JULY 2023, Parade of Homes Santa Fe,"31st Annual Parade of Homes" , Santa Fe, NM -JULY-AUGUST, 2023- Electra Gallery, “Cosmic Threads”, Santa Fe, NM -JULY 2023 - Santa Fe Convention Center, "Art Santa Fe", Santa Fe, NM -JUNE-JULY 2023, Interurban Arthouse, "Queer Narratives Festival", Overland Park, KS ~JUNE - JULY 2023- Ghostwolf Gallery, “Superfunkadelic”, Albuquerque, NM ~JUNE -JULY 2023 - 80 Santa Fe Gallery“Oh the Places We’ll Go”, Overland Park, KS ~MAY -JULY 2023 - Nelson Fine Art Center, "Corazon Latino" , Johnson City, TN -MAY 2023 - East Tennessee State University, "Corazon Latino Festival" , Johnson City, TN -MARCH/MAY 2023, East Tennessee State University-Tipton Gallery, "Conditional Surroundings" , Johnson City, TN -FEBRUARY 2023, Union Station Kansas City, "MAYA: Indigenous and Latino Art Exhibit", Kansas City, MO -JULY 2022, Buttomwood Gallery, "Rhythm & Revel", Kansas City, MO -JUNE 2022, Interurban Arthouse, "The Queer Experience" Overland Park, KS -JUNE 2022, The Studio Door, "Proud+ Art Exhibition", San Diego, California -NOVEMBER 2021, "Queer Narrative Festival", Beco Gallery, Kansas City, MO -AUGUST 2021, Interurban Arthouse, "Tangled Roots" Overland Park, KS -AUGUST 2021, No Divide KC, "Queer Narrative Festival", Kansas City, MO -MAY 2021, Jones Gallery, "Group Art Show", Kansas City, MO -NOVEMBER 2020, 311 Gallery & Studios "Your Place at the Table" Raleigh, NC -OCTOBER 2020- JANUARY 2021, Kansas City Young Audiences "Queer Narrative Festival"Kansas City, MO -OCTOBER 2020,"New Direction: 36th National Juried art Exhibition" Barrett Art Center, Poughkeepsie, NY -JULY 2020, Jones Gallery, "Group Art Show", Kansas City, MO -JUNE 2020, ButtonWood Gallery, "Connection" , Kansas City, MO -JUNE 2020, Jan Jensen Gallery, "Summer Sensations", Online Art Exhibit -MARCH 2020- MARCH 2021, Dab Art, "Art In The Time Of Corona", International Online Exhibit -MARCH 2020, Tim Murphy Art Gallery, "Heartland Artist Exhibition", Merriam, KS -DECEMBER-JANUARY 2019-2020, Interurban Arthouse, "Members Showcase" , Overland Park, KS -OCTOBER 2019, Mattie Rhodes Art Gallery, "Day of the Dead", Kansas City, MO -AUGUST 2019, Interurban Arthouse, "Tangled Roots" Overland Park, KS -JULY 2019, Raw Artists “Natural Born Artists” Kansas City, MO -JULY 2019, Interurban Arthouse, "The Queer Experience" Overland Park, KS -MAY 2019, Mattie Rhodes Art Center & Gallery "Chicano", Kansas City, MO -MARCH 2019, Oak Street Mansion "Art Hotel", Kansas City, MO -DECEMBER-JANUARY 2019, SPA on Pen, Kansas City, MO -NOVEMBER 2018, Kansas City Artist Coalition, "One Night Stand", Kansas City, MO -OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2018, Mattie Rhodes Art Gallery, "Day of the Dead", Kansas City, MO -OCTOBER 2018, Roeland Park City Hall, "Diverse Perspectives" Kansas City, KS -JULY 2018, Agora Gallery, "The Figure and Unknown Places" Chelsea, New York City -OCTOBER 2017, Mattie Rhodes Art Center & Gallery, “Day of the Dead“ Kansas City, MO -JULY/SEPTEMBER 2017, ButtonWood Art Space, “World Vision” Kansas City, MO -FEBRUARY 2017, ButtonWood Art Space, “Urban + Abstract” Kansas City, MO -OCTOBER 2016, Mattie Rhodes Art Center & Gallery, “Day of the Dead” Kansas City, MO -JUNE 2016, Mattie Rhodes Art Center & Gallery, ”Lucha Libre” Kansas City, MO -MAY 2016, Mattie Rhodes Art Center & Gallery, “Chicano Voice” Kansas City, MO -OCTOBER 2015, Mattie Rhodes Art Center & Gallery, “Day of the Dead” Kansas City, MO -SEPTEMBER 2015, Art Westport- 37th Annual Local art fair, juried art show, Kansas City, MO -APRIL 2015, Images Art Gallery 11th Annual Juried Art Show, Overland Park, KS -MARCH/APRIL 2015, Mattie Rhodes Art Center & Gallery, “Los Colores de la Vida” Kansas City, MO -OCTOBER 2014, Mattie Rhodes Art Center & Gallery, “Day of the Dead” Kansas City, MO -MARCH 2011, Vestíbulo del Foro de Arte y Cultura , Secretaria de Cultura. “Celare” Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico -JUNE 2010, Boveri Realty Group, Crossroads Art District “First Fridays” Kansas City, MO
donations
-2023, No Divide KC,Glamor Gala Annual Celebration, Kansas City, MO -2022, Owen /Cox Dance Group, "For The Love Of Dance", Kansas City, MO -2022, Kansas City Artists Coalition, “39th Annual Action Fundraiser” Kansas City, MO -2020, Owen /Cox Dance Group, "For The Love Of Dance", Kansas City, MO -2020, Kansas City Artists Coalition, “37th Annual Action Fundraiser” Kansas City, MO -2020, Save Inc, "Art Raffle", Kansas City, MO -2020, Veterans Community Project, "Art Auction" , Kansas City, MO -2019, Owen /Cox Dance Group, "For The Love Of Dance", Kansas City, MO -2019, Gay Softball Wold Series, "AIDS Walk KC", Kansas City, MO -2019, Heartland Men's Chorus "Dinner of Note" Fundrasing Event, Kansas City, MO -2019, Unicorn Theater, "Boho Bash" Fundraiser Event Kansas City, MO -2019, AIDS Walk Fundraising event, "House Party" Kansas City, MO -2019, Kansas City Artists Coalition, “36th Annual Action Fundraiser” Kansas City, MO -2018, Good Samaritan Project, "Flavor events" Fundraiser Event, Kansas City, MO & Shawnee, KS -2017, Heartland Men’s Choir, “Dinner of Note” Fundraiser Event, Kansas City, MO -2017, Literacy KC "Corporate Spelling Bee" Fundraiser Event, Kansas City, MO -2015-2018, Prairie Baptist Church, "Wacky Action Alzheimer Annual Fundraiser" Prairie Village, KS -2013, Good Samaritan Project “Corks & Canvas” Fundraiser Event, Studio Dan Mainers, KCMO -2012, Good Samaritan Project “Corks & Canvas” Fundraiser Event, Studio Dan Mainers, KCMO -2010, Good Samaritan Project “Corks & Canvas” Fundraiser Event, Boulevard Brewery Company, KCMO
Publications
IN Kansas City Magazine KC Studio Magazine Kansas City Magazine Canvas Rebel Magazine Voyage KC Magazine No Dived KC Camp Magazine IME-Casa Mexico Magazine Dos Mundos- Newspaper Artspeak KKFI-Radio Milenio-Newspaper Mujeres Magazine Johnson County Library
Artwork presentations
2013 - Shawnee Mission South High School, "Day of the Dead" Overland park, KS 2015 - United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, "Art Technique demonstration" Leawood, KS 2016 - Second Presbyterian Church Brookside, "Day of the Dead & Altar de Muertos" Kansas City, MO 2017 - United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, "Art Technique demonstration" Leawood, KS 2019 - Oak Hall Condominiums,"The Oak Hall Art Soirée Series" Kansas City, MO 2019 - Kansas City Artists Coalition, "Day of the Dead and Muxes" Kansas City, MO 2020 - United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, "Art Technique demonstration" Leawood, KS 2021 -Kansas City Museum, "MUXE: The Language of Art & Culture", Kansas City, MO 2023 - Kansas City Kansas Community College, "The Path to Gender Fluidity" , Kansas City, KS
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
New Mexico Arts Santa Fe Society of Artists Museum of New Mexico Foundation Kansas City Art Institute Kansas City Artists Coalition InterUrban Arthouse The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art Mid-America Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Circle Foundation for the Arts ArtsKC ARC Gallery Artrepreneur Le Galeriste