David de la Mano is known across the world for his wall art. Whether you’re in Montevideo or London, Milan or Florida, you’ll likely have seen his murals, on a wall or up the side of a building. His striking monochromatic displays portray a stylised version of early caveman wall patterns, beautifully showing the progression of humankind across the ages, from tribal scenes to ethereal tree-like figures. We decided to interview him about his work and the role of wall art in society today…

1. How did you start your career as an artist?

I started like we all start: drawing at home with my brothers in the holidays. I always loved drawing and immersing myself in the magical world of imagination. I was fascinated by how drawing communicates and affects us.

2. What inspires you?

Reading is my greatest source of inspiration, essays and historical texts mainly. The city inspires me, walking and observing places; its dynamics and the people who inhabit it.

I am also inspired by nature and everything related to it. Human relationships, their conflicts, contradictions, etc.

3. How is art on a canvas and art on a wall different?

They are very different things, the canvas in my workshop serves as a study, a stimulation. It is also the place of experimentation, of search, of investigation.

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Murals or wall art is something else, on the one hand it is more adrenaline-filled and on the other it is weighted with great responsibility and respect since it takes place in the territory of the common man, of the public space and, in general, involves more preparations and other precautions.

4. How would you describe your art?

It is a complex issue. My art is placed in the public space. That definitely occupies me the most and worries me. And I also want to think that we have a common purpose, that we all want the best for this space, since it is the one place that we give ourselves to live in together as a society. This space is lived in very different ways depending on the country or the city. What is clear is that it is a space in continuous debate.

My work deals with my concerns and everything that interests me.

Yes, I can tell you that in no case is there an intention to decorate or to please as a purpose. I suppose there is an attempt to question and generate multiple readings with the same image or creation.

5. What other artists do you admire?

Every artist interests me, every artist has an original way of creating and transmitting. It is true that no matter how much I like an artist, there are always things that you may like more and less.

If I have to talk to you about someone I would probably say Goya, Paula Rego, David Hockney, Jasper Johns, Gordon Matta-Clark, etc.

6. What are your projects for the future?

I am looking forward to preparing my website, and I am working on a picture book. I have several projects that have been postponed due to the pandemic for 2021 in the US and Russia. In September I will be painting in Vigo and in October in Sicily if all goes well. I have a group show in October in Barcelona and an individual show in Italy in 2021.

And, of course, I will continue developing my independent projects in the city.

All images come from his Instagram: @daviddelamano

This interview was not paid.