A conversation with Diego Zelaya, a Mexican figurative artist currently practicing in Mexico City. Zelaya had a unique upbringing - the 3rd and youngest son of revolutionaries-turned-scholars. Zelaya’s family highly prioritized education, and at the age of 16, Zelaya transplanted to a niche institution in the UK. While there, Zelaya’s interest in visual arts flourished amongst the collections of Britain. Zelaya was able to influence his academy to develop a more robust arts curriculum - including studio practice and tours to France. After 7 years abroad, Zelaya returned to Mexico City to start a new chapter of his artistic practice - muralism. These large-scale projects were as lucrative as they were dangerous - and that realization became bitterly clear after a tragic accident. Zelaya was inspired to shun his previous work, and retreat into the contemplative practice of studio art. Zelaya, steeped in a household of political consciousness, doesn’t describe his work as overtly political, but fundamentally political - as he strives to illustrate the internal of the human condition.

@diegozly