YUSEPH DAVID ZAPATA LAMIR – A Graphic Designer and Artist from Cartagena
Yuseph David Zapata Lamir, better known as YuZapata, is a graphic designer and artist from Cartagena, currently based in Bogotá, Colombia.
Growing up in a home filled with his mother’s self-taught artistry, creativity surrounded him from the start. Initially inspired by comic books, he spent his childhood illustrating superheroes, envisioning a future at Marvel. His artistic path took a defining turn during the pandemic when his illustrated map of Cartagena was selected for inclusion in Where We Walk, a book published in New York City—a moment that cemented his decision to pursue art professionally.
YuZapata’s most beloved creation, Palometa the Pigeon, first appeared in his Cartagena map and later came to life during his exploration of street art in Bogotá. Since entering the Web3 space in 2021, his practice has flourished through collaborations and community engagement. Today, his work carries deeper meaning—spreading joy and supporting communities through art.
What keeps you waking up and creating every day?
The conviction to position happy art into the highest circles of art in the world.
How did Palometa come into existence, and what does she represent to you?
Palometa represents the crazy, funny, cute and happy side of the streets. Since I paint street art style, this pigeon represents an art style who will always get in places they don’t belong.
How do you navigate between different spaces— street, gallery, digital—and still remain true to your style?
My artistic process always starts in digital. I’m a perfectionist, so in digital I can Crtl + Z many times until I get the results I want. Then I get my sprays and paint my Palometas over canvas or at the city walls. My creations transcend or fly back and forward between all media.
In your view, how can art shape culture or contribute to global understanding across communities?
Art is the voice of the people spoken in a universal language. So it’s good to see, listen and analyze it to understand this moment in time.
How do you stay inspired, especially during challenging or creatively quiet seasons?
My inspiration comes from happy moments of everyday life, so I watch a lot of comedy, memes, funny videos and mix this with periodical visits to exhibitions and artists friends who I admire and learn from them.
What recurring themes, ideas, or emotions appear in your work?
My recurring themes are happiness, love, silly ideas and memes. I challenge myself to recreate my ideas with pigeons and that’s something that will always have funny results.
Who’s a contemporary artist whose work moves you deeply right now? Helio Bray
Who is your all-time favorite artist or creative influence?
My greatest influence will always be my mother. Her will to learn, study and master new techniques will always amaze me. But I really appreciate Pez Barcelona for giving me the impulse to create my character.
What advice would you give to emerging artists building a cross- cultural, digitally rooted voice in today’s world?
To be consistent, do what you love and believe in yourself, so you’ll work relentlessly in improving and enjoying creating art as your passion.
How do you balance tradition and innovation, especially as someone who works across canvas and code?
Innovation and technology will always be an important part of my artwork. With the knowledge I get from my company in marketing and advertising, I always find ways to mix art techniques with innovation, because I create art for a world that moves with technology more and more.
