About

Luna de Jesus Licea (b. 1996, Guadalajara, Mexico) is a self-taught painter who initially pursued Pastry and Culinary Arts before transitioning to Visual Arts and Painting in 2018. After moving from Yakima, Washington, to Los Angeles, CA he took on small graphic design jobs to support himself while immersing in the city's rich art history and culture. This experience ignited a deep appreciation for the visual arts, leading him to discover profound passion and meaning in painting.

Statement

Luna de Jesus Licea’s artistic practice is driven by a mission to empower others through paintings rich in culture and color. Originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, Luna immigrated to the United States with his family, where he struggled to preserve his cultural identity. As he adapted to his new environment, he experienced a sense of shame for being “too Mexican” and, over time, became fully integrated into American customs, which left him feeling disconnected from his roots.

Through painting, Luna has found a means to reclaim his heritage and reconnect with his ancestral strength. He draws inspiration from the culture of Jalisco and the rich pre-Columbian art and history of the Nahuatl people.

Using oil and acrylic paints, Luna creates figures that resist assimilation and cultural erasure, proudly adorned in traditional Mexican and Indigenous garments, rendered in vivid, unapologetic hues. His work challenges the pressures of colonialism and the erosion of identity, envisioning a future where heritage is both honored and embraced.

Luna believes that identity is a potent act of resistance. His paintings envision a world where culture is celebrated and respected, urging viewers to reconsider the cost of abandoning one’s roots. Through his art, Luna reclaims his heritage, embraces his identity, and celebrates the strength derived from cultural pride.