Emilio Villalba is an artist based in San Francisco. His works are destabilizing: the viewer finds himself observing a totally white canvas, on which are painted pieces of body parts of family members or friends, mostly eyes. The technique, apparently traditionalist, is transformed into something new and minimal, that is a world focused exclusively on details in relation to emotional sphere: in fact, his subjects are exclusively known persons, with whom the artist has a feeling.

Abstract language becomes intense, an opportunity to generate empathy and curiosity, as himself states:

“Subtle shifts, repetition, (re)placement, or absence of facial features are attempts to create a feeling of dissonance and pressure in the viewer. I want someone to be drawn in by the uncanny nature of a piece and still feel safe to explore the feelings and reactions the pressure gives rise to.”