Dalila Paola Mendez - prints and biography

Biography

Dalila Paola Méndez is a first-generation Guatemalan-Salvadoran artist whose multidisciplinary practice explores identity, memory, and the intersection of culture and social justice. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she was captivated by drawing at a young age, often sketching from books of birds, horses, and comics she found in local libraries. Early classes at Barnsdall Art Park helped spark her love for painting and photography, setting the foundation for her artistic path.

Méndez earned a BA in International Relations from the University of Southern California, where her studies deepened her awareness of global struggles and community narratives. After graduation, she worked as a bilingual teacher with the Los Angeles Unified School District, but eventually turned to art full-time, embracing the creative work that had always called to her.

A versatile artist, Méndez works across painting, photography, printmaking, and film. Her art often reflects her queer identity and Central American heritage, combining personal history with broader cultural and political themes. Whether through richly colored canvases, intimate photographs, or experimental film, her work seeks to amplify underrepresented voices and reimagine spaces of belonging.

Her talents extend into the world of film, where she has contributed to projects that push the boundaries of representation. In 2012, she served as Production Designer for the acclaimed independent film Mosquita y Mari, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and received wide recognition for its authentic depiction of queer Latina youth.

Méndez has exhibited in galleries and cultural institutions throughout Los Angeles and beyond, often participating in community-based projects that align with her commitment to education, activism, and inclusivity. Her practice embodies a fluidity of media and message, merging aesthetics with advocacy.

Today, Méndez continues to create work that bridges personal identity with collective experience, reaffirming her place as a vital voice in contemporary Chicana and Central American art.