“I always say that I am Mexican With great pride, but it also is proud to be that Mexican who puts his country high, ”he says Jair Meza Lemusbetter known as Mr. Papa ChangoMexican illustrator and muralist Berlinwho through its murals prints life to the streets of various cities in the world.
His unique style, which turns between reality and fiction, has allowed him to collaborate with different brands, present himself in recognized Galleries and make muralism in 16 countries. during a brief scale in his native country, Meza tells us about his way to make his way in the world of art While a new presentation of his works in the gallery Thinkspacein lyou angelsCalifornia.
Graduated from the UAM Xochimilco, Jair Meza states that fate made him reach Germany To emerge your dreams and make your way like illustrator y muralist. “In a country (Mexico) with such censorship it seems to me that it is very difficult to say what one thinks,” he says. Given this, he looked for an alter ego to be able to say and express in his illustrations what he thinks, for that reason he chose Mr. Papá Chango.
Read too The geometric and non -binary fiction of Ad Minoliti
“Being in the focus of all people, in the middle of art, is very difficult, because everyone criticizes you; that is why I looked for a mask, to be able to do what I felt,” he explains.
Las Mexican traditions They have inspired him throughout his career and are a recurring theme throughout his work. “Remembering my childhood in my dad’s town is to relive again colorsplaces and traditions, ”he says.
Through the mixture these elements was how the characteristics came to create Monsters of their paintingshairy and tender beasts that represent the imaginationhope and joy. “My monsters are always happy as we are Mexicans; I synthesized them that Mexicans carry happiness To the world, ”he says.
He artist He describes that it was during his time in several countries where he acquired new knowledge and polished his technique, approaching a style neobarroco. In its canvases elements such as still lifes, dark backgrounds, fruits, flowers, colors and, of course, the adorable monsters can be appreciated.
Mr. Papa Chango’s work is characterized by his hairy monsters. Image: courtesy.
Mr. Papa Chango describes his style as neo -baroque. Image: courtesy.
Read too Animoso, where art and anime come together; “Beloz” transforms forgotten spaces into murals that inspire
However, making their way in the art world in a foreign country usually has obstacles, but Jair Meza preferred to see them as challenges to demonstrate that when the public accepts you because your works liked, there is no turning back: “You should only evolve and continue working to adapt to each era,” he says.
On his goal as an artist, Jair says that “the purpose of my works is that when they see them, they forget everything, return to their childhood and smile again without having to ask the reason.”
However, Mr. Papa Chango’s work has changed over time, now tries to include something of the reality of the places he visits. For example, one of his images focuses on the war that libies Russia y Ukraine: “The work has a lock that is open and flowers flowers, and a large and small monster comes that bring a key; it means that we all have the key to carry the paz”, He explains.
Jair Meza’s work has evolved to play themes subtle, such as the war between Russia and Ukraine. Image: Special.
Jair Meza considers that Mexico it’s a mercado complicated and small, because some companies or people have not given the value that art deserves and limit the Creative freedom.
Read too The artist Alfredo Gutiérrez gives a mural for Tijuana
In contrast, he points out that in Europa The possibility of acquiring art is better and with more solvency than in other parts of the world, since there are places where murals are given a true value. “It doesn’t matter if you don’t have the money to buy you a work of art, so I decided to get into the world of murals, to give works to people who do not have access to buy a work.”
Note that in Mexico there is less opportunity to sell original work And to preserve their own style as an artist, because companies have a marked line of what should always be done and that does not allow artists to explore or evolve.
He stressed that Mexico has “huge” artists, but they are missing opportunities To receive support. “All this I am living is a dream,” he says.
Between monsters, colors, fruits and flowers, Mr. Papa Chango leaves each brush The opportunity to ignite the imagination. He urban artist He consolidated for several years to present his works in the prestigious gallery Thinkspace In Los Angeles, California.
The exhibition He has meant to Jair one of his best experiences in his career, because catapulting him to set up a second exhibition In the same gallery for 2026.
The presentation led to 12 months of work to make 50 sketches and hence choosing the 13 final works. “It is said easy, but they are days of work; with the support of my family, friends, and people who add to the project,” he says.
After consolidating his work in Europe, the city of Los Angeles represented confronting a totally new audience, “it is going like an amateur, to try to show your art; to learn what he likes and does not like.”
Read too The cartoon with which Nahui Olin made fun of the muralists
The exhibition, entitled “This is Not Sweet”, Invites you to reflect on the sweetness of their works, but at the same time send a powerful message through the monsters.
Jair Meza presented his work at the Thinkspace gallery, in Los Angeles, California. Image: courtesy.
Jair Meza has taken his murals to various cities in the world. Photo: courtesy.
Jair’s work does not stop, in April his works were also four days in the FUrban Arte bigger in Paris; In May he will have works in London and finally, at the end of the year, he will exhibit in Australia. All of the above will be carried out while preparing his next presentation at the Thinkspace gallery.
“When I have a project, I not only see for me; I think that if I do a good job anywhere in the world I will open the possibility to more Mexican artists,” concludes the artist.
Join our channel The Universal is already on WhatsApp!, From your mobile device, find out the most relevant news of the day, opinion articles, entertainment, trends and more.
