Space One Eleven in Birmingham, Alabama, is presenting two new exhibitions: “Navegando la Masculinidad de la Frontera / Navigating the Border’s Masculinity” by El Paso artist José Villalobos and “see saw sawn” by local artist Jason Tanner Young. The opening reception with the artists takes place on February 19, 2026, and the shows run through April 17, 2026. Villalobos, a multidisciplinary artist, explores queer identity, machismo, and border culture through sculpture, performance, and installation, while Young, an associate professor at the University of Montevallo, works primarily in sculpture.
These exhibitions matter because they bring national and regional contemporary art to Birmingham, highlighting important conversations around masculinity, queer visibility, and cultural heritage. Villalobos’s work challenges traditional notions of manhood within Norteño and borderland communities, using a bold mix of Western iconography and queer aesthetics. The shows also underscore Space One Eleven’s role as a vital non-profit art center supporting diverse artistic voices and fostering community engagement through free, accessible programming.