Felipe Zaldivar
they/them
Guadalajara, Jalisco, México
Felipe Zaldívar, born in 1988 in Guadalajara, Jalisco, is a third-generation jeweler who grew up in a family where art was central, sparking his interest in creative exploration. At 14, he began painting, later branching into photography and sculpture. He has exhibited solo at the Juan Soriano Gallery in Guadalajara and participated in numerous group exhibitions, notably at the Bakehouse Art Complex in Miami.
In 2019, after earning his Bachelor of Arts, Felipe founded Estudio Reino, a jewelry design brand. Since February 2023, he has consulted on artistic jewelry with the “Múltiple” group, a collaboration between the Batek Jewelry School and Jorge Manilla; that same year, he participated in Brazil Jewelry Week. Felipe’s work reflects a journey of self-discovery, exploring his gender identity through art from a young age, long before he had the words to express it.
"My work explores the concepts of being, gender, and identity; it invites viewers to contemplate imaginary anthropomorphic beings, with shapes and textures inspired by microorganisms and their psychedelia. Using silver fragments from various techniques, and processes, to construct humanoid figures and objects for the aesthetic contemplation of the non-binary trans spectrum, trans femininities, and trans masculinities.
Each piece I create is a tribute to individuality and freedom of expression. My work aims to establish an emotional connection with the viewer, encouraging them to reflect on the multiple facets of diverse identities, how they are constructed, deconstructed, perceived, and shared."
"Tejido interno" (Internal Tissue), Silver 20.9" chain, 2.4" pendant, 2024 
How does your work relate to the theme connection?
“This series, crafted from .925 silver, consists of three chains, each featuring a pendant that represents non-binary beings. Through these pieces, I explore the journey of searching for an authentic identity within the LGBTTTIQA+ community and how they are connected. Each work includes an additional document with detailed descriptions, providing further insights into the background of these creations.
The creation process combines techniques such as organic casting, lost-wax casting, and silversmithing. While lost-wax casting and silversmithing give me greater control over the shape and texture of the metal, organic casting allows for what I call ‘controlled accidents,’ where the forms that emerge are often unpredictable. This contrast between precision and spontaneity reflects the complexity of identity formation. These fragments unite to form humanoid, anthropomorphic beings, symbolic representations of the emotional and identity-discovery processes experienced within our community.
The series is titled ‘Elagabalus,’ after the Roman emperor who ruled from 218 to 222 AD. Elagabalus is considered one of the earliest historical figures to defy gender norms, though certainly not the first or only one. By choosing this name, I emphasize that our presence is not a recent phenomenon; we have a long history, and it is time to claim our space in society with respect and dignity.
Each piece is titled to reflect the emotional complexities and challenges of seeking an identity that feels both comfortable and authentic. These works mirror the personal journey of self-discovery, inviting us to embrace authenticity at every stage of life, even when the process is difficult. They remind us to strive for genuineness as we navigate the world, despite the obstacles that may arise."
NYCJW24 @ UrbanGlass, Simon Leung
What role does connection play in your creative process?
“My artistic journey is deeply rooted in self-exploration and identity, especially within the LGBTTTIQA+ community. Through my work, I challenge societal norms by representing non-binary humanoid forms, which reflect the diverse realities of our community. This artistic expression becomes an act of both resistance and visibility.
Connection plays a vital role in my work, as I believe that sharing our experiences helps normalize them, breaking down the barriers of judgment and stigma. Art creates a space for us to reflect, connect, and engage in conversations about identity, gender, and sexuality. These are fluid constructs that we continuously shape together.
In my pieces, I strive to represent what has long been denied visibility to bring to light those who exist but are not recognized as equals. My goal is to give voice to the overlooked, offering a platform for realities that are often ignored. Art allows me to express my deepest emotions: my joys, my struggles, and my love for my community.
By participating in expositions like Connection, I contribute to building a sense of belonging and unity. It's not just about identifying as part of this community; it's about creating strong bonds and safe spaces where we can engage in dialogue, foster understanding, and amplify our presence. For me, art is a powerful tool of resistance and connection. It honors those who came before us and helps envision a future where our existence is acknowledged and celebrated."
"¿Qué hacer en el vacío?" (What to do in the void?), Silver 25.2" chain, 2.4" pendant, 2024
NYCJW24 @ UrbanGlass, Francely Flores
What connection(s) does your queerness make to the world around you?
"My artistic work is a way to channel the information I consume and am part of, that’s why I chose to focus on three fundamental principles: being, gender, and identity. In the end, what else could I speak about but who I am and what I experience daily.
I explore these topics not only in my art but also in my everyday life. Whenever the context allows, I take the opportunity to talk about queer realities with those unfamiliar with the subject. I genuinely enjoy teaching and sharing with people who haven’t been exposed to non-conforming identities, offering historical context to foster understanding and openness.
While it’s easier to discuss these ideas in queer spaces, the opportunity often doesn’t arise in heteronormative environments. However, that’s where I most enjoy sharing information, challenging and rethinking ideas, opening dialogues with curious or uninformed people. My intention is to bring these realities into spaces where they normally aren’t present.
I am part of a chosen family made up of queer individuals, where I can freely express my gender. In this space, I feel validated and supported, and I provide the same support to those around me.
I like to stay informed about queer culture, gender history, sexuality, and social roles. I strive to promote a more fluid and liberated view of identities, challenging those who, due to their background, have never needed to question these ideas."
"Planeta de cabeza" (Head Planet), Silver 23.2" chain, 3.6" pendant, 2024
Anything else you would like to share about this work?
This can be an important part of the process, sourcing materials, or research.
“These three pieces are part of a series called ‘Elagabalus’. It consists of organic chains and pendants of imaginary anthropomorphic and humanoid beings. The series presents emotional processes and struggles that all people in the LGBTTTIQA+ community experience. It also features beings that omit the representation of normative bodies, thus highlighting the values of the diverse identities that exist and are yet to be discovered. The focus is on the being and the identity itself, not on the body of the being determining the value of the identities I represent. My work gains authenticity that is not limited to aesthetics, but becomes a political, cultural, and deeply human statement. Most of the times i like to include a small text with some of my pieces, which I would like to share:
1.- Internal Tissue: Exposing oneself to society, just like in art, I think should be done from the deep with in, from the guts. Although this process may bring with it a temporary mental breakdown, it is precisely in that vulnerability where authenticity resides. This piece is a visceral manifestation of the emotions and experiences that define both the struggles and the celebrations of trans and non-binary people, a statement of resistance and truth. The heels it wears are a reminder that, even though the path is difficult, continuing to walk is the only option.
2.- Head Planet: Emotional blockage always manifests in the body and mind, often through pains or illnesses. When this happens, it becomes difficult to think clearly; the head feels heavy, like a tombstone. Not feeling the body is like living mutilated, like living on another planet, a disconnection that prevents being present in the here and now. It is essential to start with the body, as it reveals truths that the mind sometimes fails to decipher or process.
3.- What to do in the void?: This piece represents the ambivalence between emptiness and identity. Its perforated body symbolizes the internal space where identity is constructed, deconstructed, and reconstructed. This emptiness is not absence, but possibility: a place of transformation where the self is constantly redefined, moving away from the norms imposed by culture and the binary gender. Through this emptiness, the piece invites reflection on the fluidity of identity, showing that only in that space can we discover and build our reality. The crown on its head symbolizes the inherent power of someone who has gone through the process of self-discovery, a reclaiming of authenticity; it is not a symbol of external royalty, but of internal sovereignty, a reminder that identity is not defined by what is taken from outside, but by what is discovered from within. This work suggests that the process of deconstructing and reconstructing is constant, reflecting that our identity is not fixed, but is in constant change. Accepting who we are, beyond external expectations, is the only way to fill that emptiness with a truth that cannot be ignored."
[queerphoria]v4 @ ECU Symposium
