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Honoring Culture, Community, and Creativity with Mauro de la Tierra
NOV 14, 2025
San Antonio–based artist Mauro de la Tierra has become known for vibrant murals, culturally rich sculptures, and community-driven installations found throughout the city. From the east side—where he grew up—to collaborations with institutions like Pearl, Texas Public Radio, and the Central Library, Mauro’s work is steeped in place, identity, and storytelling.
For Pearl's 2025 Día de los Muertos community event, Mauro invited us to his studio to share more about his journey, his inspirations, and the cultural significance behind his work.
Painting the Town
Mauro’s artistic path began in an unexpected place: graffiti.
Growing up in San Antonio’s east side, spray paint became one of the few accessible tools for creative expression.
“Spray paint was something we all did as kids. As I got older, I chose to use it in a more positive, community-driven way—to highlight history and culture.”
What started as adolescent experimentation grew into a craft. Mauro has been a full-time artist since 2017, creating murals, sculptures, and mixed media works across San Antonio and beyond. Spray paint remains his primary medium—one he calls expressive, liberating, and deeply connected to “underdog artists.”
An Act of Community Building
For Mauro, art is inseparable from community. His philosophy is simple: uplift others, and your community will uplift you.
“People talk about being self-made, but the truth is you succeed with community. Our art should highlight the people and the places that make us who we are.”
The Alebrije Sculptures
Mauro brought several sculptures to Pearl for its Día de los Muertos event. Read on to discover their significance to Mauro and his vision.
The Ocelot
The ocelot is one of Mauro’s most personal pieces, inspired by his work in the Rio Grande Valley.
“I learned about the ocelot being endangered, and it became a symbol of resilience. I incorporated desert sunsets, peyote, and Aztec warrior symbolism to blend modern and Indigenous histories.”
The Xoloitzcuintli (Xolo)
Known in Aztec mythology as the dog who guides souls through the underworld, the Xolo is reimagined as warm, welcoming, and approachable.
“I wanted it to feel friendly—an endearing spirit guide. I painted symbols of Mictlán, the Aztec underworld, but kept the tone light to remind people of the balance between life and death.”
Creating for Día de los Muertos
Growing up in San Antonio, Mauro saw Día de los Muertos imagery everywhere—sugar skulls, papel picado, flea-market art—long before he understood the meaning behind them. As an adult, especially after experiencing loss, the holiday’s significance deepened.
“It became important to honor ancestry and the people who shaped me. Sometimes I realize after finishing a piece that a certain color, symbol, or energy came from someone I loved.”
Even his sculptures carry personal touches: one skull represents him, another his sister, another a sibling—each painted in colors tied to their personalities.
What He Hopes For
Mauro hopes his work sparks curiosity, joy, and optimism.
“I want people to feel hope. To walk around the sculptures, find little details, get lost in the colors. There’s vibrancy everywhere if we look for it.”
He jokes about one rule — “don’t touch them!”— but ultimately wants both kids and adults to leave with the reminder that beauty and meaning surround us every day.
The Anhinga
Among his many works, Mauro holds a special connection to the Anhinga, a bird tied to a creation story of the San Antonio River.
“The legend says the bird flew into the spirit world, and the droplets from its feathers formed the river. Since Pearl sits right along the river, this piece feels especially meaningful.”
Where to Find His Work
Mauro’s art can be found across San Antonio:
- Pearl, including his Día de los Muertos sculptures
- Murals throughout the city, such as Viva Vegeria on the South Side
- Blue Star Contemporary, where he often works
- The Carver Center, where he’s preparing a solo exhibition honoring his east side upbringing
Mauro de la Tierra’s work is more than vibrant color and striking design—it’s a testament to culture, community, and the stories that shape San Antonio. As his sculptures take their place for Pearl's Día de los Muertos event, they invite visitors to honor the past, celebrate the present, and look toward the future with wonder.
