Jamil Hellu’s work is a dynamic exploration of queerness, race, and cultural heritage. Born in Brazil and of Middle Eastern descent, Hellu’s diverse background informs a critical lens through which he examines representation and belonging. In a political climate where racial justice, immigration, and LGBTQ+ rights remain central to social struggle, Hellu’s work invites reflection on how identities are performed, perceived, and validated. Through a vibrant visual vocabulary, often grounded in self-portraiture, he activates conversations around visibility, cultural lineage, and the evolving nature of self-representation.

Hellu earned his MFA in Art Practice from Stanford University and has exhibited widely. He has participated in residencies at the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris, Radio28 in Mexico City,
Headlands Center for the Arts, and Recology San Francisco. His projects have been supported by numerous grants, including awards from the Fleishhacker Foundation, Kala Art Institute, Lucas Artists Fellowship, the San Francisco Arts Commission, and the Zellerbach Family Foundation.

jamilhellu.net