Luisa Salas aka Hola Lou is a globally renowned artist, designer, and muralist born and raised in México. Lou’s work embodies creativity with striking, earthy compositions inspired by the vibrant colors and twisted landscapes of Mexico.

Minimal Abstract Artworks by Hola Lou® 2022-2.jpg

How does Mexico City influence your artistic style and perspectives?
There is this interesting balance of both, a chaotic city rush and an old-fashioned, plants-everywhere vibe in this city. Unlike most major cities worldwide, Mexico City preserves a mood of authenticity linked to a very traditional México. Most people here are always onto something interesting. Lots of creative minds working together.

The city changed my style for the good, compared to the Luisa who once lived in the Caribbean. I feel my works and overall trajectory are a lot more evolved, mature, and complex in many different ways.

Is there a specific place in the city where you go to feel inspired?
With the gentrification at its peak, I've been finding peace in discovering places around areas that are much less popular. The connections, food, community, and overall ambiance are way more genuine, and this has been pushing me to find that same feeling in my artworks, personal projects, and goals as an artist.

What themes or messages do you aim to convey through your work?
Authenticity more than anything. My end goal is to match who I am, my actions, how I dress, how I connect to people, the music I listen to, and the art I create. I want to communicate that being your truest self in the most irrefutable way possible, could be the key to self-achievement and success.

How does music play a role in your creative process?
It is incredibly important to me. Not only do I continuously base a lot of my creations around specific songs, but also, listening to music when painting puts me in a place of ease and focus. I'd honestly put music on the same level as good lighting when it comes to painting or creating.

Do you have a favorite artist?
There are too many to even consider choosing one. I have to say though, graffiti has been one of my newest interests in the art world... really inspiring.

Can you share a specific artwork or project that holds a special meaning for you?
I hold the Nike A.I.R running line collaboration very close to my heart. It marked such a big before-and-after in my career by it being the first time that a Mexican had designed a full collection with the brand on a global scale. I'm quite proud of that goal.

What challenges do you face when trying to balance minimalism with the richness of your cultural heritage?
I'd say that Mexico is such a rich culture where saturation plays a big role in the visuals and vibe, that breaking that feeling down to such a 'simple' aesthetic can sometimes feel overwhelming. On the contrary, though, the colors are already there, so I do feel I have a natural sense of coherence in that area.