The work of Rafael López is a fusion of strong graphic style and magical symbolism. Growing up in Mexico City he was immersed in the rich cultural heritage and native color of street life. Influenced by Mexican surrealism, dichos and myths he developed a style with roots in these traditions. Team OC Gente was introduced to Rafael’s work in the Pat Mora book titled “Book Fiesta” which celebrates “Children’s Book Week”. While visiting Rafael’s website we came across his 2007 U.S.P.S. stamp celebrating an important legal case in equality of education called Mendez vs. Westminster (Photo Above). We still hope that Sandra Robbie and other powerfullatinas.com are out there promoting “Mendez”.

His international clients includes Amnesty International, Apple, Los Angeles Times, the Grammy Awards and World Wildlife Fund to name a few. His work has been selected into multiple juried shows and his children’s books have won 2 Americas Awards and a Pura Belpre Honor. The Latino dance stamp he created for the United States Postal Services was featured on the cover of the commemorative stamp yearbook in 2006 and at a special exhibition at the Smithsonian called Trendsetters.

In 2009 he was invited to create 3 paintings for Oprah Winfrey’s school in South Africa.

He envisioned and led the Urban Art Trail Project that transformed San Diego’s blighted East Village with colorful murals, sculptures and art installations and serves as a model of urban renewal that has been implemented in cities around the nation.

Rafael divides his time between his studios in the colonial town of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico and a loft in downtown San Diego where he works and lives with his wife and son. Para más información visit www.rafaellopez.com