"In Kyiv, I wasn’t just painting a wall—I was embracing a city in pain, while confronting the battles within myself."
1. Tell us about your background and journey.
My journey with art goes back as far as I can remember—it’s always been how I express myself.
I grew up in Mexico City, and in Mexico, art and culture are deeply embedded in our society. Much of our history has been shaped and told through artistic expression. The muralist movement, in particular, is a powerful part of our cultural heritage.
Even though I didn’t always envision art as my career, I was constantly inspired by it. When I experienced firsthand the impact of public art—and remembered how deeply it’s woven into my country’s identity—I realized this was the path I wanted to follow with purpose.
2. You’re self-taught. What’s one rebellious or unconventional art rule you live by?
Yes, I’m self-taught. My parents supported my love for painting early on, and I took classes growing up. But when I decided to pursue art professionally, I believed that with dedication and love, I could build a career through practice and experience.
I’ve taken courses and studied during different periods because I respect the academic route. However, I don’t think it’s essential to becoming an artist. I don’t believe in rigid rules in art—it's such a personal journey. Rules were made by people, but true creativity and expression come from instinct and honesty.
Theory and technique can help us understand art, but they can’t dictate it. We all experience life differently, and that uniqueness should be reflected in our work. Being unconventional is necessary—because there’s no single way to be human, and that’s the beauty of it.
3. Your murals often feature powerful feminine figures. If you could paint one woman from history or mythology on a massive scale, who would it be—and why?
That’s a great question. I tend to paint everyday, “conventional” people—the ones whose stories shape their communities. These are the people who often create real change and move hearts.
Of course, I also appreciate honoring historical women. It’s tough to pick just one, but since I recently spent time in Egypt, I’d say Goddess Isis or Queen Cleopatra. That said, my answer might change based on where I am or what I’ve recently experienced. Every culture has inspiring women who deserve to be remembered and celebrated.
4. You’ve worked in over 15 countries. Which city surprised you most with its artistic energy?
I’ve had the chance to visit even more than 15 countries, and honestly, I can’t choose just one. Every place has its own unique artistic energy and cultural rhythm.
India, for instance, has an incredibly vibrant art scene, and I was fortunate to spend a long time there and witness it firsthand. Latin America is another region overflowing with creativity—and of course, my own country, Mexico, is a place where art lives in the streets and has existed since ancient times.
5. Shelter in Kyiv is a protective embrace. Was there a moment while painting it that moved you unexpectedly?
Every painting moves me in its own way. I try to give my full presence, energy, and love to each piece. Shelter was especially emotional—it was the first time I painted such a large building, and in a country that has endured ongoing conflict.
I understand, on a personal level, what conflict does to people. Art can be a tool for healing—not only for others but also for ourselves. Creating Shelter brought many emotional moments, both because of what it represented and the challenges I faced while doing it.
I believe our work should always have this kind of impact on us—if it makes us feel alive, it can touch others too.
6. You’ve collaborated with brands like Nike and Johnnie Walker. What’s the wildest or most unexpected request you’ve gotten from a client?
To be honest, I haven’t received any particularly wild requests—but I’ve had wonderful experiences working with these brands.
With Nike, the collaboration focused on empowerment through art. With Johnnie Walker, it was about creating something meaningful on an iconic product, using sustainable materials to represent my culture—two themes I deeply connect with.
If a request feels “wild,” that’s fine—as long as I can stay true to my artistic language and values. That authenticity is what matters most.
7. As a kid in Mexico City, what’s the first mural or artwork that made you stop and stare?
The murals at the Palacio de Bellas Artes—especially those by Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco, Jorge González Camarena, and David Alfaro Siqueiros. They left a deep impression on me.
8. Your Born mural in Cozumel merges art with activism. If you could wake up tomorrow to a giant blank wall to spark change, what cause would it champion?
That’s a tough question because there are so many important issues to speak up about—basic human rights, climate change, justice, women’s rights, animal rights, education, the defense of culture, equality, and more.
To me, all of these are connected. Their root cause often lies in division and individualism. So, I’d want to create something that encourages empathy and unity—something that helps us see and understand each other better. That alone would be powerful enough to inspire any project.
9. You’ve used AIR-INK, made from pollution. If you could invent a new eco-friendly art material, what would it do?
I’d love to develop equipment—like lifts or machines—that could help me paint large walls without contributing to pollution.
10. Dream big: If you could paint any “impossible” location—a glacier? The moon?—where would you leave your mark?
Maybe this sounds a little bold, but dreaming big has always been part of my journey. So I don’t necessarily dream about “impossible” places—I’m already living so many of the dreams I had as a child.
I’ve been fortunate to travel and paint around the world, to see magical places, and to meet incredible people. That’s what truly leaves a mark on me.
I don’t paint with the idea of leaving my mark—I see it as these people and places leaving their mark on me. If I can create something meaningful in return—something that speaks to them and sparks a positive change, even briefly—that’s enough.
My responsibility is to communicate their stories and mine as honestly as I can. And if that leaves a little piece of my story behind, in that moment and place, then I’ve fulfilled my purpose. I hope it feels as special to others as it does to me when I create it.
Bio:
Born and raised in Mexico City, Paola Delfín is a self-taught muralist whose vibrant works celebrate cultural identity, community stories, and powerful feminine figures. Inspired by Mexico’s rich artistic heritage and her global travels, she has created public art in over 15 countries, using her murals as a medium for healing, activism, and connection. Through collaborations with brands like Nike and Johnnie Walker, and eco-innovations like AIR-INK, she continues to merge creativity with purpose, leaving heartfelt marks around the world.
Interviewed by: Insiya Nulwala
Edited by: Shantanu Singh
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