Malo Farfan’s work resonates with the depth and beauty of the Oaxaca art scene. His murals can be found throughout the city, and his paintings often adorn the walls of local galleries and homes. Filled with colorful twisted representations of agaves, insects and third eyes, his imagery depicts Mexican culture through a hauntingly elegant scope.
Madre spoke with Malo about his work and influence:
No, my work is just a syncretism of all the ideas that surround me.
WHAT ROLE DOES ART PLAY IN YOUR LIFE?
It is vital. It gives me life and gives me sustenance, besides being the way I explain the world.
DO YOU FEEL IT IS IMPORTANT TO SHARE ART WITH AN AUDIENCE?
Yes, it brings us closer and nourishes the creative circle.
IF YOU COULD SHARE A MEZCAL WITH SOMEONE IN THE WORLD (ALIVE OR DEAD), WHO WOULD IT BE?
It would be difficult to choose a single person to drink a good mezcal, although a friend will always be a good choice.
FOLLOW MALO’S WORK: @malofarfan
WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND HOW DID YOU END UP IN OAXACA?
I was born and raised in Mexico City and arrived very fortuitously in Oaxaca. I was on a trip to South America and the next challenge was getting to Colombia. It never happened. My first stop was Oaxaca, and when I arrived there, I simply fell in love.
YOUR IMAGES SEEM TO REFLECT OAXACAN AND MEXICAN CULTURE, DOES YOUR ENVIRONMENT INFLUENCE HIS WORK?
Yes, I try not to abuse the subject, however, it is inevitable to include the beauty of Mexican culture.
A LOT OF YOUR WORK IS PRETTY PSYCHEDELIC … ARE YOU A PSYCHEDELIC GUY?