Detail of “You’re A Gem” exhibition 2019
Guided by the vibrant colors and unique textures of Havana’s weathered walls, San Antonio–based artist and photographer Jorge Villarreal uncovers hidden gems in every corner of the city through his series, “You’re a Gem.” The salt-laden ocean air gradually corrodes layers of paint, creating patterns reminiscent of precious stones. For Villarreal, discovering these distressed surfaces tucked away in unassuming alleyways and secluded passages is what makes La Habana itself the true treasure.
Since first traveling to Havana in 2009, Villarreal has been captivated by its architecture, hues, and textures—attributes that also reflect the island’s religious traditions, visible on walls throughout the city. His fascination led him to found Casa Caché, an international artist residency in Havana, where he continues to explore the interplay of magic realism, history, culture, and identity—ongoing themes central to his work.
Villarreal’s process involves “getting lost” in the cityscape, seeking out the overlooked and mundane. It is this act of discovery—finding beauty in seemingly insignificant details—that fuels his creative vision. By merging atmospheric conditions, cultural narratives, and the evolving patina of time, “You’re a Gem” reveals not only the hidden artistry of Havana’s walls but also the enduring spirit and identity woven into the fabric of the city.
Enhances mental and spiritual clarity, while uniting masculine and feminine energies. Helps with addictive behaviors and the cleansing of energies.
Heart chakra. Nurturing, believed to assist in healing the scars of past life. Lightens the heart and inspires the discovery of your best qualities.
Rebalances and Harmonises the body, mind, and spirit. Cleanses and stabilises the aura, eliminating and transforming negativity. Helps ground the individual.
Protects from negative energies. Aids creativity and enhances the development of intuition.
Protection Stone. Inspires the service of others and to the Spirit. Its energy reaches out, to bring your gifts to the world so that everyone can benefit.
Recharges one physically, emotionally, and mentally. Enhances spirituality. Brings manifistations into reality.
Helps one communicate with the truth. A purification stone, it protects from negative energies and balances all chakras.
Detail of “You’re A Gem” exhibition 2019
Detail of “You’re A Gem” exhibition 2016
Promotes Happiness, Clarity and Self-Confidence. Stone carries the energy of the sun. Constantly give out positive vibrations and connecting you to the Earth.
Those lacking in self-confidence who carry low self-esteem can benefit from Orthoclase, enhancing self-will and emotional strength and courage.
Assists in seeing different sides of the same issue, and balances masculine and feminine energy as well as different personality traits. Clears energy blockages.
Soothing and calming stone, and helps with an overactive mind and insomnia. Stress reducer, can be helpful in the workplace.
A stone of patience and balance, helps to calm you when feeling impatient, but it also helps to balance the emotions.
Useful in making decisions by keeping us focused on the here and now and not on past experiences. Calms anger and grounds you in reality.
Connects one to the energies of the earth, allowing for a deeper connection to the eternal instinct of the spirit in human form.
Member of the Quartz family, Chalcedony carries similar properties, such as cleansing, healing, and balancing. Soothing and calming, great for promoting a sense of peace and joy. Absorbs negativity and promote harmonious emotions
Soothing and calming in times of stress, and brings about gentle release. Gently draws off negative energies of all kinds, and can help to calm the emotions and bring understanding to discordant relationships.