Jairo Granados-Cardenas

Biography

Jairo Granados-Cardenas is a self-taught film photographer whose captivating work reflects a profound connection to both his Mexican roots and the vibrant cultural tapestry of his current home in Chicago, IL. Born in Sahuayo, Michoacán, Mexico, Jairo spent his formative years immersed in the dynamic fusion of his Mexican heritage and the distinctive atmosphere of a Mexican-American household in the northern suburbs of Chicago.

Despite lacking formal training, Jairo's artistic journey has been defined by an innate ability to capture the essence of human experiences through the lens of his camera. His evolving perspective is shaped by a keen understanding of composition, an astute mastery of color, and a unique flair for storytelling. These elements converge seamlessly in his photographs, creating a visual language that transcends cultural boundaries and resonates with viewers on a profound level.

Currently based in Chicago, Jairo Granados-Cardenas draws inspiration from the bustling urban landscape and the diverse tapestry of people that populate the city. His work is a testament to his intuitive response to human actions and gestures, a skill that has become instrumental in capturing moments of cultural intimacy and visual surrealism. Each photograph tells a story, weaving together the threads of daily life with an artistic vision that invites viewers to engage with the complexities of the human experience.

EXHIBITIONS: 

2023 Group Exhibition, Through The Lens x New Balance, Sarabande Chicago, IL

2023 Photo Installation, In Good Spirits, Chicago, IL

2023 Photo Installation, The Fruits of Your Labor, Blind Barber, Chicago, IL

2022 Juried Exhibition, Bridgeport Art Center, Chicago, IL

2022 Solo Exhibition, Carisio: A Gesture of Love, Chicago Athletic Association, Chicago, IL

2021 Solo Show, Carne, Comercio Popular, Chicago, IL

FEATURES:

2024-26 Chicago Artists Coalition Artist in Residence

2024 Lucie Foundation Open Call: Still Life/ Object Category Finalist

2023 Featured Artist, (Inter)mezzo, hosted by Nick Cave & Bob Faust at the Blind Barber, organized by Gertie Chicago, Chicago, IL

2022 Gertie Artist Studio Progressive, Zhou B Art Center, Chicago, IL

2022 2nd Place, Bridgeport Art Center Juried Competition, Chicago, IL

2022 Carisio: A Gesture of Love, Chicago Athletic Association, Chicago, IL

Artist Statement

Jairo Granados-Cardenas, a Mexican born film-based photographer, immerses himself in the realms of auto mechanic shops, neighborhood streets, and the fabric of daily existence in search of moments of curiosity. His photographic lens captures fleeting instances that briefly surface, only to seamlessly reintegrate into the tapestry of everyday life. Drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of Mexican-American atmospheres, Granados-Cardenas meticulously documents the nuanced textures of contemporary existence. Through his lens, the photographs serve as visual echoes of the evanescent, offering glimpses into the often overlooked beauty and intrigue that pervade the ordinary. In the exploration of the mundane, he invites viewers to rediscover the extraordinary within the familiar, celebrating the subtle poetry that resides in the textures of our shared contemporary experiences.