Chata

Jesse Maria Gomez-Villeda (born 1992), also known as Chata, is a San Diego-born and raised, multi-generational artist specializing in photography. Chata's work is deeply rooted in her community and the rich cultural heritage of her upbringing. By trade she is a local 229 journeyman ironworker that specializes in structural welding but, her true passion lies in photography and education.

Her art reflects the personal and collective journeys of the individuals she encounters, offering a powerful narrative that celebrates the complexities of identity, belonging, and cultural preservation. Chata’s photography explores the resilience, pride, and beauty of her community; capturing moments that speak to both the individual and the broader social experience. She uses her lens to document the intricacies of life, providing a voice to those often overlooked while emphasizing the importance of self-expression. Through her images, she engages in ongoing conversations about the cultural significance of her roots, the act of preserving heritage, and the unyielding pursuit of belonging.

“My work as a photographer is deeply informed by the complexity of identity, memory, and place. I have long navigated intersecting cultural worlds. These early experiences taught me that identity is not fixed, but layered, fluid, and deeply historical. Photography became my tool for exploring these layers. Through the lens, I seek to capture the subtle presence of memory in landscape, the resilience in familial and communal rituals, and the quiet power of everyday life”.

Web: https://tinyurl.com/wwwChatasStudio

Insta: @chata_sdxca