David Jonathan Romero, BFA 09
Diego ©️ David J. Romero, Ciudad de México 2015
The butterflies are made of acetate film and are worn in my portraits of models who are usually non-binary and who pose partially or completely nude. Though their poses are passive, there is a lot of eroticism and sensuality in my portraits. My models are also migrants and nomads, like the monarch butterfly. After our sessions, the models keep the acetate butterflies, which are now on display around the world.
Tell us about your role as executive director of Todos Somos Mariposas.
Our goal is to promote and protect the monarch butterfly by raising awareness through small-scale grassroots projects, like creating spaces where people can transform themselves into butterflies in local artist workshops.
In Mexico, we also work with other NGOs to empower people who are queer, Indigenous or living with disabilities.
How did your time at Concordia help shape you and your career?
I started as an international student and finished by completing a double major in cinema and photography. I had some amazing teachers who took me under their wings. My time there helped define me as an artist and as an openly gay man. I am grateful that I spent such formative years growing up at Concordia, and in Montreal.
To learn more about David Jonathan Romero’s work, visit monsieurbutterfly.com.
