Philly-based photographer Ada Trillo was born and raised on the U.S.-Mexico border between Juárez and El Paso.

With a worldwide presence, Trillo has had her work showcased in many nations — including the U.S., Japan, Italy, England, France, and Germany — and has received international recognition and publication.

Trillo’s photography often touches on the barriers of race and class, violence in relation to international migration, and sex trafficking.

A portion of Trillo’s work concerns the stories of those who attempt crossing the United States border. Trillo has documented the journeys of refugees through photography.

The photographer has spent time trailing the tracks of people traveling through Central America in search of refuge. 

Both tracking their journey and documenting it, Trillo train-hopped with immigrants, hitching a ride on La Bestia, and later resided in Tijuana during the Trump administration’s waning days, living alongside thousands seeking asylum.

Trillo has three current exhibitions: Caravanas Del Diablo (on display in Los Angeles until Jan. 30); Reclaiming & Making Art, Desire, Violence (on display in NYC until Feb. 8), and Young Americans (on display in Philly until Jan. 29).

The Young Americans exhibition will remain displayed at the InLiquid Gallery in Philly until Jan. 29. The work contrasts the experiences of growing up in the U.S. to the experience of coming into the U.S. and seeking refuge.  

The photographer’s Young Americans exhibition combines Trillo’s work with that of students from the photography group, Photography without Borders (PWB), an after school, youth photography program.

For a year, Trillo mentored five girls between the ages of 14 and 15 through the Photography Without Borders program. Some of the sessions, via Zoom, were conducted by Trillo while she was in Juárez.

Photography Without Borders students are encouraged to take images of things they like, employing learned techniques as they progress.

The Young Americans exhibition will continue to run through now until Jan. 29, 2022. The display can be found in Studio 108 of the InLiquid Gallery, located at 1400 N. American Street.

The exhibition is available to view from Wednesdays to Fridays from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and on Saturdays from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

To view the Young Americans exhibition, an appointment is required. Patrons may book their appointments through Calendly, or call InLiquid at (215) 235-3405.