Mayeli Villalba: Documentary Photographer and Visual Artist

Mayeli Villalba is a distinguished Afro-Paraguayan photographer and visual artist based in Asunción, Paraguay. With a professional background in social work, she brings a profound sociological perspective to her visual storytelling, primarily focusing on the history, visibility, and contemporary experiences of Paraguayans of African descent. She is particularly recognized for her long-term documentary projects with the community of Kamba Cua, where she explores themes of identity, ancestral resistance, and cultural preservation. As a founding member of the South American photographers' collective Ruda, established in 2018, Villalba has established herself as a vital voice in contemporary Latin American photography. Her work has received international acclaim and has been exhibited at prestigious venues including the Bristol Photo Festival, the Centre of Photography in Montevideo, the Centre of the Image in Mexico, and the Museo del Barro in Paraguay. Mayeli Villalba has collaborated with leading international organizations and publications, including the United Nations, Amnesty International, El País, and The Guardian. Her projects, such as "Una limpia casera," "Akãchara," and "Mapa de la memoria," demonstrate a unique ability to blend artistic expression with deep social inquiry. Her commitment to environmental and social justice is further showcased in her National Geographic Society-supported projects. Through her evocative imagery, Villalba continues to challenge historical erasures and provide a visual platform for underrepresented narratives in South America.