Lakeside widely recognized for colorful murals

The Lake Chapala northshore area is known for its vibrant arts scene, including the presence of numerous talented muralists whose works can be found in public spaces, galleries, and private collections throughout the area. Some of these include but are not limited to:

• Juan José Becerra Hernández, a Chapala-based artist/muralist, was the special invited artist/exhibitionist and subject of a winning short documentary film at the recent 2023, 7th Annual Festival Internacional de Cine de Tequila (FICTEC). The documentary film produced by Eduardo Ruiz won first place in the short film category.
Murals by Juan José, who signs his work JuanJo, can be seen throughout the region. One of his most recent murals is on the side of El Patio Restaurant in Chapala, and he will soon be painting one in the town of Ixtlahuacán de los Membrillos. In addition to murals, Juan José is known for his horse paintings and miniatures of Mexican landscapes. Juan José can be reached at his Facebook page Juan Jose Becerra Hernandez.

• Efren González is a well-known Mexican artist who has created several prominent murals in the Chapala area, including  the exterior wall of the Ajijic Cultural Center, are considered a landmark depicting in bright colors and intricate detail the area’s history, from pre-Hispanic times to the present day. Efren’s artwork can be found in local galleries, including the Efren González Gallery in Ajijic, which serves as his primary studio and exhibition space. His work has also been featured in exhibitions throughout Mexico, the United States, and Europe. He can be reached at his Facebook page EfrenGonzalezArte.

• Federico Enciso Ramos is known for his use of natural materials in his artwork, including stones, shells, and other organic materials. His rock art mosaics often feature intricate, abstract designs, and are meant to evoke a sense of harmony and balance with nature. In addition to the Ajijic plaza walkway, Federico has created several mosaic murals in the Chapala-Ajijic area. One of his most notable murals is located on the exterior wall of the Hotel La Nueva Posada in Ajijic. The mural depicts a colorful scene of fish swimming in a river, and has become a popular spot for visitors to take photos.
Federico has received several awards and honors for his artistic contributions to the area, including the Cultural Merit Award from the State of Jalisco. His work has been featured in exhibitions and galleries throughout Mexico. He can be reached at his Facebook page Federico Enciso Ramos.

• Daniel Palma is a Mexican artist who has created murals in various locations throughout the Lake Chapala area. His works often feature bold, abstract designs and bright colors. The San Antonio Tlayacapan Mural, located on the exterior wall of a building, was created by Mexican artist Daniel Palma. The mural features bold, abstract designs and bright colors, and has become a popular backdrop for visitors taking photos.

• Michael Noel Wallace, a decorative and historical painter, was schooled in Florence Italy at the De Medici School of Fine Art. He worked as a theatre backdrop painter in Dallas, Texas, for 12 years and moved to Mexico 20 years ago “to bring color and culture into his life’s work.”

Michael’s murals can be seen in public and private spaces throughout the Lakeside area. His goal in each work is to create an experience for the observer that inspires and leaves one in awe of great mystery.

Michael can be contacted by phone at 333-036-2622 or by email at Mnoelwallace@gmail.com.

• Victor Alcazar is a professional Mexican artist with more than 25 years of experience. Victor constantly challenges himself and his art by experimenting with new techniques and themes in his mostly acrylic work. The knowledge gained through his experimentation and mixing of techniques keeps his work fresh and interesting. His work is a wonderful mix of color and whimsy while still maintaining a very Mexican feel. Victor resides in Ajijic and can be reached at his gallery, Víctor Alcázar Art Gallery, 16 de Sptiembre #26 in Ajijic or by cell/Whatsapp at 3319650123.

• Javier Zaragoza Castillo is considered one of the leading painters in the Lake Chapala area, and his work is highly regarded both locally and internationally. Javier’s paintings can be found in public spaces such as the mountainside retaining wall on Hidalgo in Chapala, the Ajijic Cultural Center and the Chapala Malecón. His work often depicts the natural beauty of the region, including its lakes, mountains, and vegetation, and is notable for its vibrant colors and dynamic, sometimes historical compositions. His artwork can be found in galleries in the Lake Chapala area, including the Javier Zaragoza Gallery in Ajijic, which serves as his primary studio and exhibition space. Contact him through his Facebook page at javier.zaragoza.581187

• Jorge MTZ (Jorge Luis Martínez Gómez), aged 30, has worked as a muralist in the Lakeside area for about ten years. He currentlys lives in Ixtlahuacán de los Membrillos and has taught artistic painting. His favored technique is acrylic and his style is oriented toward Mexican folklore, with landscapes of towns and nature scenes with plants, flowers and animals. Since Jorge was a child he liked to draw, and started painting in his adolescence. Jorge can be contacted through Facebook at Jorge Mtz.

• Mario Ramirez has built an extensive portfolio of distinctive Mexican folk art and cultural murals around the Ajijic community and the lakeside areas. Working with homeowners and businesses, his art is featured in atriums, lobbies, patios, domes, and gardens with an exquisite palette of colors and distinctive Mexican folk art and culture. Mario, aged 37, has been recognized locally by the Ajijc Casa de la Cultura, as well as art shows and galleries in the region. Aside from art murals, his is also accomplished at drawings and paintings with acrylic, charcoal, oil, and engraving techniques.

View his work, as well as that of other artists such as Usbaldo Mihiguera, on Facebook as Mario Ramirez Art. If you would like more information, please get in touch with Mario via email at mario86_industrial@hotmail.com.

• Isidro Xilotl C. Xilonzochitl is a Mexican artist whose work is as original as the artist himself. Xilotl has a long history as an artist and teacher. Beginning with a private teacher in the city of Guadalajara, Xilotl has explored and mastered almost all disciplines, standing out mainly in sculpture and two-dimensional art, such as mixed media, oil, acrylic painting, among others. His work has been exhibited in galleries and cultural centers in Mexico and abroad and has been acquired by collectors around the world. He can be reached at his Facebook page Isidro Xilotl C. Xilonzochitl.

• Enrique Velazquez is considered to be one of the most important contemporary artists in the Lake Chapala area, and his work is highly regarded both locally and internationally. He is also a teacher and professor at the University of Guadalajara’s School of Fine Arts, and his influence can be seen in the work of many younger artists in the region. His artwork can be found in several galleries in the Lake Chapala area, including the Estudio-Café in Ajijic and the Galería de Arte Contemporáneo in Guadalajara. Enrique is known for his expressive, colorful paintings that often incorporate elements of Mexican culture and folklore. His work often features bold, sweeping brushstrokes and vibrant, saturated colors, creating a sense of movement and energy.

• Juan Navarro is known for his paintings and murals that depict vibrant scenes of Mexican culture and traditions. Juan studied art at the University of Guadalajara and developed his unique style. His work often incorporates bold colors, intricate patterns, and symbolic imagery, capturing the essence of Mexican folklore, customs, and everyday life.
Juan has created several stunning murals in the Lake Chapala area, including notable pieces at the Ajijic Cultural Center and the Malecón in Chapala. Other examples of his work are featured in several galleries in the Lake Chapala area, including the Juan Navarro Studio in Ajijic, which serves as his primary studio and exhibition space. Juan can be contacted at his studio or via his Facebook page Juan Navarro.