Today we’d like to introduce you to Ignacio Marino Larrique.
Hi Ignacio, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am a Uruguayan artist, and my story begins in 1982 in Ciudad Vieja, Montevideo, where I was—quite literally—raised in an art gallery that my father and grandfather used to run. But this wasn’t just any gallery; it also served as an art incubator and frame shop, offering resources and support to both clients and fellow artists. Our home was part of the same building, making it the perfect playground for my siblings and me to grow and evolve creatively.
At the age of 14, I began studying academic art, learning to master mediums such as chalk, pastel, watercolor, oil, and acrylic. In 2003, I expanded my studies to include architecture and animation. After years of working on canvas and feeling the urge to scale up as well as to create art outdoors, I transitioned to large-scale murals in 2013 and relocated to Miami, Florida. Over nine years of creative development there, I cultivated my own style, which I call “dotting”—a technique that uses layered color strokes to shape everything from nature to portraits. My style is both unique and versatile, allowing me to express a wide range of subjects with depth and vibrancy.
Now based in New York, I’m writing a new chapter in my journey, continuing to share my art with the world from the heart of the Big Apple. Whether through murals, installations, or collaborative projects, I aim to foster inclusivity and spark meaningful conversations around sustainability and social change.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Let’s be honest: the immigrant journey isn’t exactly a smooth canvas. Moving to a new country as an adult meant leaving behind my network, my family, and the comfort of knowing which bus to take without using Google Maps. Starting over wasn’t just about finding new opportunities, it was about rebuilding my career from the ground up, one brushstroke at a time.
Then came the cultural curveballs: suddenly, I had to swap Celsius for Fahrenheit and meters for feet, even my toolbox needed a reboot—figuratively and literally—as I adapted to new materials, systems, and ways of working. It was like being handed a blank canvas with unfamiliar paints and told, “Go ahead, make magic.”
Finding support for my projects was another adventure. For a while, I felt like a fish out of water. But slowly, through persistence, creativity, and a few serendipitous encounters, I began to find spaces where my voice could echo and my art could breathe.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a multidisciplinary artist, my work spans large-scale anamorphic murals, community portraits, and environmental installations—all rooted in a deep commitment to social change and public engagement. I specialize in creating immersive experiences that transform everyday spaces into vibrant canvases, inviting viewers to pause, reflect, and connect.
One of my proudest achievements came in 2020, when I won a public art contest to design and install a 4,000-square-foot tribute mural in the heart of Miami Beach. The project transformed an abandoned two-story building just few blocks away from the Convention Center into a vibrant landmark, created in collaboration with Washington Avenue B.I.D. The goal was more than beautification—it was about bridging the businesses along the avenue with their community through history and art.
The mural pays homage to Celebrity icons who helped shape Miami Beach’s cultural legacy: Muhammad Ali, Jayne Mansfield, Jackie Gleason, Prince and Gianni Versace—figures who didn’t just pass through, but made the city their stage. Through bold color, layered technique, and a deep respect for place, the mural celebrates their stories and the spirit of a city that continues to inspire.
What I feel sets me apart is not just the style, but the spirit behind it. I approach art holistically—considering its impact, its location, and its ability to spark dialogue. I’ve created murals that speak to environmental stewardship, envisioned sculptures made from litter to highlight ecological issues, and painted portraits that reflect the soul of a community. My work doesn’t just live on walls—it lives in conversations, in neighborhoods, and in the hearts of those who see themselves reflected in it.
As an immigrant artist, I’ve had to reinvent myself more than once, and that resilience is woven into every piece I create. I’m most proud of how my art continues to evolve while staying true to its mission: to connect, to uplift, and to make the invisible visible.
Any big plans?
Looking forward to make my original artworks & prints available online.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.marinolarrique.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marinolarrique/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marinolarrique
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marinolarrique/
- Twitter: https://x.com/marinolarrique
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw2N5VlcPSl-igQupcdn4Gg/videos
