Artist Juan Pueblo Has the Most Open Studio in Mérida
When Juan Pueblo shares his canvas with other artists, he thinks about how rappers work. “In rap, there is always collaboration between artists. If musicians can do it, why not painters?” says the effusive Mérida-born painter, whose full name is Juan Pablo Quintal García.
“I’ve always wanted to be an artist, and I think, more than anything, it was having an excuse to dress the way I wanted,” says Juan. “Artists have these freedoms. I always wanted to be a musician, but I don’t think I had the talent or the patience.”
Juan Pueblo paints with bold strokes, whether a portrait of a dignified lady, a slice of pitaya, or an assemblage of mundane pantry items. His larger canvases are more likely to be shared with friends like Carlos Hartazgo, Irvim Victoria, Adrian Bastarrachea, and Juan Batta. C.M. Pliego’s dreamlike apparitions added a layer of intrigue to a collaborative cityscape sold during a studio tour at the Mérida English Library.
Juan, who doesn’t accept pompous manifesto declarations, humbly explains his work: “It’s a search, or rather a celebration of my identity as a Yucatecan living in this global village.”
Juan Pueblo’s beginnings
Born in 1982, Juan initially studied Social Communication at the University of Mayab (Anáhuac) with aspirations of becoming a film director; his artistic vocation ultimately led him to painting. Rejecting the elite circles of his education, he embraced his identity as “Pueblo” (meaning “the people”), dedicating himself to capturing everyday Yucatecan scenes with a distinctive Pop art style.
His work celebrates his Yucatecan identity through vibrant colors and unique perspectives. His paintings often depict cultural landmarks like the Lucas de Gálvez Market and the Catedral de San Ildefonso, as well as natural scenes featuring flamingos and mangroves. Though lacking formal artistic training, he developed his skills through experimentation and dedicated practice.
His artistic career has garnered international recognition, with his works sold in Canada, the United States, France, Germany, and Norway. Pueblo aims to position himself as an icon of Yucatecan art, creating “Uayé” stories that originate from and represent a specific place.
His distinctive approach has earned him exhibitions in various galleries throughout southeastern Mexico, including the prestigious Museum of the City of Mérida.
Instagram: @pueblopelana
Lee Steele is the founding director of Mérida-based Roof Cat Media S de RL de CV and has published Yucatán Magazine and other titles since 2012. He was Hearst Connecticut’s Sunday Magazine creative director and worked in New York City for various magazine publishers, including Condé Nast and Primedia, for over 20 years.
