Atlanta photographer Jose Ibarra Rizo's work reflects underrepresented stories of his community

December 5th, 2022

José Ibarra Rizo is an Atlanta-based artist and photographer originally from Guanajuato, Mexico. His work centers around telling the stories of his community. (Jose Ibarra Rizo)

On the “City Lights” series “Speaking of Art,” local artists share insights into their influences, processes and experiences in town. José Ibarra Rizo is an artist and photographer in Atlanta, originally from Guanajuato, Mexico.

“I use photography to tell the stories of my community,” said Rizo.

A lifelong student of art, Rizo recognized a lack of representation for communities like his own.

“I set out for this work to tell the stories of people that continue to work and build this country as we know it,” he said. “It’s important for me that my photographs, and my artwork in general, add nuance to these conversations about what it means to be American.”

Rizo praises his parents, supportive teachers and mentors for believing in his talent as an artist and trusting his career path, given that “it’s very often talked down upon to even dream of life as an artist, because we immigrate here to work.” Today, he considers Atlanta a major source of support and inspiration.

“Every opportunity I’ve gotten has been because of Atlanta,” Rizo said. “The city has really received my art and my work with open arms, and I’m incredibly grateful for that. I’m also a big hip-hop and rap fan, and Atlanta has given me the soundtrack to my life, literally.”

Rizo maintains a studio space at MINT Gallery and recommends checking out new and emerging artists there, as well as at Echo Contemporary, NicholsAtlanta and Whitespace. His work can be found at joseibarrarizo.com and on Instagram at @joseibarrarizo. A solo exhibition featuring Rizo’s work will take place at MINT Gallery, opening March 4, 2023.