Sebastián Mendoza

Sebastián Mendoza is a muralist from Paipa, Boyacá. Through his art, he aims to guide people to unexpected paths of self-discovery and expression. Sebastián is dedicated to creating cultural experiences of awareness with the Boyacá identity through artistic festivals, programs, and workshops. He has left his mark all over Boyacá and beyond, with a primary focus on the Muisca culture. While much of the Muisca identity has faded away, Sebastián remains dedicated to reviving and preserving its essence. For Sebastián, creating art is not just a personal passion; it's a commitment to contribute to the cultural development of his community. He often struggles to understand these forgotten roots, but his art is a driving force for interpreting what remains in the Muisca culture.

Sebastián has been recognized with scholarships and awards, but the most important thing for him has been the small moments - the collaborations and the imprint of his work on a community. He believes the value of the arts, culture, and tradition allows us to reconnect with ourselves. The revival and reception of the collective soul make the culture feel alive, knowing there are people also fighting to preserve it. Sebastián's motivation to support his mother and family adds a poignant layer to his artistic journey. The depth of emotion and the act of surrender and giving through his art make it a powerful means of expression for him. He believes that the lack of resources to innovate or share his art with the world limits creative potential, emphasizing the importance of valuing artistic endeavors for the deep emotional resonance they carry.

Over the years, I have lost count of how many of Sebastián’s murals I have encountered since 2014. Whenever I visit a town in Boyacá, I can feel his presence, whether it be one of his beautiful murals in the town square or a sign of something yet to come. I have unintentionally documented his work over the past decade, capturing paintings that have inspired me on a personal level. Finally meeting him this year has been a long-anticipated moment, prompting me to delve into my photography archives to unearth some of his older murals, some of which may no longer exist in their original locations. Sebastián is participating in the Prints with Purpose initiative, which allows artists to focus on what is important to them and continue to create the art they are passionate about.