Jamil Hellu is a visual artist whose work focuses on the fluidity of identity, cultural heritage, and queer representation, often pointing to the tensions found in the evolving discourses about sexuality. He is a Photography Lecturer in the Department of Art & Art History at Stanford University and is represented by Rebecca Camacho Presents in San Francisco.
Through a multidisciplinary practice rooted in photography and that includes video, sculpture, and installation, Hellu’s projects interrogate the dominant patriarchal ideology of masculinity while challenging preconceived notions about gender expression. Navigating from a personal lens, he frequently incorporates his own history as an immigrant to the United States, exploring the impact of cultural hybridity. His art fosters empathy and dialogue, ultimately promoting a more inclusive and equitable world.
Hellu holds a Masters in Fine Arts in Art Practice from Stanford University and a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Photography from the San Francisco Art Institute. His work has been discussed in publications such as The New York Times, The Guardian, Artforum, and VICE. He has held multiple art residencies including at the Headlands Center for the Arts and the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris. Public collections holding his work include the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art; Cantor Arts Center; and the Blanton Museum of Art.
An active member in the San Francisco Bay Area arts community, Hellu serves as an advisory board member for Recology’s Artist-in-Residence Program.
An active member in the San Francisco Bay Area arts community, Hellu serves as an advisory board member for Recology’s Artist-in-Residence Program.