Immigrant Owned

PHOTOGRAPHY

Apr 29

Meet Jonathan Castillo, a visionary photographer whose work transcends boundaries and celebrates the essence of the American dream. With a keen focus on immigrant entrepreneurship and the vibrant tapestry of local communities, his series illuminates the often overlooked pillars of the American economy.

Photography Jonathan Castillo

Discoteca Flores, Chicago Suburb (Berwyn), 2023

In his own words, the photographer captures the heart of his work: "America has always been a place of promise and potential. People from all over the world for generations have immigrated to this country for a fresh start, a better future for their children and to become Americans. My interest is in building relationships that explore the roots of immigrant business, the local and specific spaces that give character to any neighborhood. These places are where people carve out space for themselves, their families and new immigrants on their own terms. Through portraiture and photographs of interior spaces, my work renders an essential and often overlooked part of the American economy. Many people think that immigrants come to the United States to 'take', but in reality they contribute to our economy by creating jobs and paying taxes. Immigrants take entrepreneurial risks and are the embodiment of the American dream. My work is a reminder that immigrant owned businesses are as American as it gets."

Dora, Kaneshie Supermarket, Chicago (Uptown) - 2022

Erika and Debby, A Plus Items and More, Chicago (Kilbourn Park), 2022

Joanna, Polish Vibes Gift Gallery, Chicago (Belmont Central), 2022

Maria, Miranda's Salon, Chicago (Pilsen), 2018

“My interest is in building relationships that explore the roots of immigrant business, the local and specific spaces that give character to any neighborhood.”

Maribel and Maya, La Michoacana Paleteria, Chicago (Kimball), 2018

Mimi, Tejan Elegance Perfume, Chicago Suburb (Bridgeview), 2024

Will, Ni Yi Xuan Gift Shop, Chicago (Chinatown), 2019

“Many people think that immigrants come to the United States to 'take', but in reality they contribute to our economy by creating jobs and paying taxes.”

Yuzhen, Yummy Yummy Noodles, Chicago (Chinatown), 2022

Todos De Mexico, Chicago (Little Village), 2021

About Jonathan Michael

Jonathan Michael Castillo is a visual artist, photographer and educator based in Chicago. He was the 2019-2021 recipient of the Diane Dammeyer Fellowship in Photographic Arts and Social Issues. Jonathan was included in the 2021 Hyde Park Art Center's Ground Floor Biennial in Chicago and was a finalist for the WMA Commission in Hong Kong. His work has been featured in The New Yorker, Wired, The Chicago Tribune, CBS: Los Angeles, and Brazil's G1 Globo. He has appeared on the radio to discuss his photography on the BBC's “World Update” and local Los Angeles public radio programs KPCC and KCRW.

Jonathan was recently commissioned to create a large-scale permanent installation of his work at O’Hare International Airport as part of the new Terminal 5 expansion project and separately commissioned to make work for the city of Chicago’s We Will Chicago citywide planning initiative. Exhibitions include those at the Art Institute Chicago, Photo LA 2020, the Center for Creative Photography, Aperture Gallery, House of Lucie, Filter Photo Gallery, Ralph Arnold Gallery and the California Museum of Art Thousand Oaks.

Jonathan is represented by Samuel Maenhoudt Gallery in Belgium. His education includes a BFA from California State University Long Beach and MFA from Columbia College Chicago.

To see more of his work, visit his website or follow him on Instagram

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Immigrant Owned

“My interest is in building relationships that explore the roots of immigrant business, the local and specific spaces that give character to any neighborhood.”

“Many people think that immigrants come to the United States to 'take', but in reality they contribute to our economy by creating jobs and paying taxes.”

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