Twenty-Two Gallery is pleased to announce the opening of a new photography exhibition by Philadelphia-based artist Ada Trillo entitled “How Did I Get Here?” The dynamic portrait series documents the exploitation of women in the prostitution industry. The opening reception is Thursday, July 13, 2017 and the exhibition runs through August 6, 2017. Proceeds will benefit organizations helping to end prostitution and human trafficking.

Photographed in the brothels of Juarez, Mexico, Trillo captures the adversity these women must overcome in their daily lives, giving context and an identity to the prostitutes. With this exhibition, she is raising awareness about this global issue and inviting you to be part of the solution. Proceeds from the sale of these photographs will be donated to two organizations: The Coalition Against Trafficking Women, an international organization dedicated to protecting human rights, and the Mother Antonia Center of the Oblate Sisters of the Most Holy Redeemer, Mexico City, who support the dignification of women in prostitution who work in La Merced. On her experience, Trillo shared “This series and experience has greatly humbled me, and I hope it will have an impact, moving viewers to want to make a difference as well."

Many artists deploy photography for commentary on a variety of issues in society. Its intent is to provoke a response and, frequently, its two most common subject matters are poverty and labor. Trillo’s exhibition does both. The subjects of her portraits are prostitutes working in Juarez, known for its violent drug cartel. “A majority of the women are not from Juarez. Instead, many were abducted into the sex trade while attempting to cross the border, or sold into the industry by family members,” stated Trillo.

Nearly all of the women are addicted to drugs—crack cocaine and heroin—and have neither healthcare nor access to rehabilitation. Those who cannot attract clients are deprived of food. Trillo braved the Juarez Valley for her series of photographs taken during multiple visits over three years. 

The power of Trillo’s narrative creates an intersection of sympathy, dignity and hope. This is Trillo’s first foray into photography. She is also a painter, whose paintings use “symbolism of transformation, impermanence, and power” and now, so does her photography.  This summer’s exhibition at Twenty-Two Gallery, “How Did I Get Here?” will be an opportunity to introduce Trillo’s new genre to a broader audience and raise awareness about the trafficking and exploitation of women as an international issue.

Twenty-Two Gallery | 236 South 22nd Street Philadelphia, Pa 19103

Opening | Thursday, July 13 | 6:00pm-8:00pm
Exhibition Dates & Times | July 14-August 6

Wednesdays through Sundays | 12:00pm – 6:00pm or by appointment

ABOUT ADA TRILLO   | WEBSITE www.adatrillo.com  |  INSTAGRAM @adatrilloartTop of Form

Ada Trillo is an artist who works in multiple media, including oil and acrylic painting, as well as photography. Her work is influenced by the rich cultural heritage of the American Southwest and Mexico and the symbols related to Latin culture. It is frequently characterized by her use of gold powder and gold leaf.

Born on the American/Mexican border, Trillo lives and works in Philadelphia and frequently travels to Mexico and Europe for inspiration while continuing to develop as an artist with classes in painting and photography at PAFA and the University of the Arts. She has been featured in solo, two-person and group exhibitions and is represented by RASCO Fine Arts and Twenty-Two Gallery in Philadelphia.