Carlos Donjuan

Artist bio

Carlos Donjuan was born in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, in 1982 and has lived in Dallas since the age of three. As a child, Carlos quickly found his passion for drawing cartoons, lowrider cars, comic book characters and animals. During middle and high school, he discovered a love for graffiti and mural art. He soon combined these passions with more traditional art teachings, and immersed himself in learning art techniques and art history while creating his own path and style.

Carlos later studied under Marilyn Jolly at the University of Texas at Arlington. After his undergraduate studies he attended the University of Texas at San Antonio where he earned his Masters Degree in Fine Art. Donjuan worked closely with Professors Ken Little and Ricardo Armendariz, who challenged him conceptually and technically.

After completing his studies, Donjuan became a professor at the University of Texas where he is currently teaching. He has exhibited in galleries and museums on a national and international level. Donjuan's work has appeared in group shows and solo shows in Texas, California, New York, France, Spain, and Italy. His work is also part of the Cheech Marin Collection, which is the largest Chicano art collection and is now its own museum.

Although Carlos has focused most of his time in the studio, he has never lost his love for painting murals. He works with the collective Sour Grapes, which include his two younger brothers and some childhood friends. Donjuan has painted murals, hosted workshops, and mentored at-risk youths through the collective. He has always had a strong love for his neighborhood as one of the main driving forces behind his work.

Showings at KHFA