RAFAEL ‘CHAFO’ VILLAMIL

ABOUT

“Rafael ‘Chafo’ Villamil is the most important Puerto Rican artist that you have never heard of.” - Terrence Sanders Smith

Born and raised in Miramar, Puerto Rico. Rafael Villamil started making art in his Catholic elementary school doing banners, etc for the class “Mostly because it got me out of gym”. He became adept at copying religous scenes and became a skilled draftsman which later led him to start architectural drawing inspired by a house at the head of his street that was a copy of a Frank Lloyd Wright home.

He studied Architecture at Georgia Tech getting his license there before returning to PR to work with Henry Klumb (former head draftsman for Frank Lloyd Wright who settled in PR). He was still making art during this time and had his first show at the University of PR in 1961 (at the time, the only museum displaying contemporary art) with his long time friend Rafi Ferrer entitled : DOS PINTORES. The show became controversial sparking protests fanned by the local newspapers not because of any perceived obscenity but, because the work was displayed on construction forms provided by Villamil.

In 1963, with a recommendation from Henry Klumb, Villamil moves to Philadelphia with his new wife Victoria to start working with Louis Kahn. At the same time, he is garnering attention as an artist and starts having shows. Most press at the time, is very favorible until a group show at the Pan American Union, Washington, DC. One of the member states upon seeing the installation before the opening claimed his work was profane and ordered it removed. The removal sparked a protests by fellow artists on display who removed their works in solidarity with Villamil. The controversy made the news in South America and Europe as well as the US. Though this would increase his notariety, it disillusioned his perception of the Art Business as being a Meritocracy. He had what would be his last show for many years at SUNY, Albany in 1968.

He never stopped creating art during his long sabbatical. However, his profile as an architect was well on the rise. He moved from under the shadow of Kahn but, retained a strong friendship with him and his family. He also taught Art and Architecture during this time.Villamil was working as an independent and consultant until he settling into a partnership with Mirick, Pearson,

Batcheler & Ilvonen (1970 - 1983). He would once again, go fully independent afterwards until the present. He was won multiple awards and citations throughout his career.

Though painting for himself since 1968, Villamil’s work grew in scale and scope until in 2006, EL MUSEO DE ARTE CONTEMPORÁNEO DE PUERTO RICO did a massive retrospective of his work since self imposed exile dedicating the entire museum to its display.

Villamil is 90 years old and is currently still creating in the now landmarked house he designed and built for his family in 1982.