Chito Banda
Written By Jose Araujo
Chito Banda, a visual artist hailing from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, is carving a unique path in the world of photography. Now based in Mexico City, this 30-year-old artist comes from a Chicano family that has its roots split between Mexico and the United States. His work is a vivid portrayal of gang and cholo life in Mexico, captured through his lens with a raw authenticity that resonates deeply with those familiar with the culture.
Chito's interest in photography was sparked by his love for movies and documentaries. "I’ve always liked watching films," he shares. "Photography was a simpler option for making something visual without needing a crew and a bunch of money." This passion for visual storytelling led him to pursue photography, a medium that allows him to document the world around him with an unfiltered lens.
A turning point in his career came when Chito received a scholarship under the name of the legendary photographer Mary Ellen Mark. Although Mary had already passed away, the scholarship allowed Chito to study under the guidance of Alex Webb and Rebecca Norris Webb, two renowned photographers, in Oaxaca City. "That was the first time I started to think of photography as a career," Chito reflects. "I began educating myself on other photographers, and most importantly, my love for the darkroom was solidified during that time."
One of Chito’s most significant ongoing projects is his documentation of Cacos 13, a gang based in Nezahualcoyotl. He’s been photographing them since 2019. "They drew my attention because I hadn’t seen a clicka like them in a while," he explains. Unlike many other gangs in Mexico that have entered into truces, Cacos 13 stands out for refusing to do so, maintaining their reputation as the bullies of other cholos in Mexico City.
The members of Cacos 13 are primarily older homies, many of whom have been in the gang since they were 13 or 14 years old. Chito’s access to this group wasn’t immediate—it took time to earn their trust. "I first met ‘Gordo,’ who runs the Reforma section of Cacos and knows my cousins in Juarez. He knew I understood this world and would know how to behave and handle situations," Chito recalls. "At first, some of the homies were suspicious about me, so I hung out for a couple of months before actually starting to take photos."
Over time, Chito became deeply embedded in their world, forming close bonds with many of the gang members. "Now I consider some of them my closest people in the city. I’ve spent birthdays, Christmas, and anniversaries with them," he shares.
Inspiration for Chito comes from a variety of sources. "On one side, I see a bunch of photography books and movies," he says. "But being outside is crucial for taking photos; you gotta look around." This blend of visual influences and real-life observation fuels his creativity, keeping him motivated and constantly pushing the boundaries of his work.
For Chito, the act of photographing is more than just a job; it’s an experience. "The act of going and shooting the photos is my favorite part," he explains. "I like hanging out, taking photos, drinking beers with the homies, talking shit, cooking something. Having the lights set up next to the grill at the carne asada and taking photos is a different feeling."
Despite his success, Chito faces misconceptions about his work. "People think I'm an older cholo because of the type of photos I take, or they think I'm an older photographer with a hired fixer that has me driving around the hood," he says. But Chito’s work is a reflection of his deep connection to the community, a level of access and trust that is not easily replicated.
Staying inspired as an artist requires continual learning and exploration. "I try to educate myself as much as possible," Chito notes. "Every time I do research, I find some crazy good new photographer that keeps me wanting to take more photos, exploring different styles."
One of the challenges Chito has faced is the stereotyping within the professional industry. "It’s hard to get gigs at first when your portfolio is filled with photos of cholos and gang members," he admits. Yet, this authenticity is also what sets him apart, allowing him to carve out a niche in the art world.
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Chito’s latest project takes his storytelling in a new direction. "I'm working on VHS videos now," he reveals. "I want to record moments I feel close to my childhood. They are 'hom(i)e videos,' home videos about the homies during birthdays, Christmas, posadas, kickbacks, 15 de Septiembre, stuff like that."
Through his work, Chito hopes to inspire others, particularly the younger generation. "I would like the lil homies to maybe read this and know they can still be part of their community without gambling their wellbeing."
Chito Banda’s art is a testament to the power of photography as a tool for storytelling and cultural preservation. His work not only captures the essence of cholo life but also bridges the gap between tradition and modernity, creating a visual narrative that is both authentic and impactful.