By Julio Poletti

Originally from Greeley, Colorado, and the second and youngest child of immigrant parents, Maurilio has always been surrounded by a strong immigrant community coming from various parts of the world. Culture from the U.S., Mexico and other countries have influenced Maurilio's life and is evident in his work as an artist. Maurilio is the bilingual communication support specialist for the marketing team at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. He joined the Museum in January 2021.

Hi Maurilio, before we begin, tell us a bit about your story and how you got to where you are today. 

Growing up in a melting pot, I’ve been exposed to a variety of creative outlets through television, social media and peers. However, Weld County has historically been a conservative area, and many struggles and prejudice occur. I have firsthand experienced the disadvantages that Mexican immigrants and their children face in this county, seeing the lack of access to higher education and resources within my community. Seeing this, I felt that being able to support and empower my community was important and necessary. I found that through art, I can accomplish my goals and help show my community a better outlook on life and our shared cultures.

What would you say are your biggest influences in the work that you do?

My influences come from a variety of sources that inspire me in unique ways. Both my mother and father inspire me to improve my work ethic, drive and discipline. Artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Wassily Kandinsky, Clyfford Still and Takashi Murakami inspire my style, presentation and outlook in art. Impressionist artists were anti-establishment and their work focused on challenging ideas and the definition of art. Because of them, artists like Basquiat, Kandinsky, Still and Murakami are able to bring abstraction into their art and let viewers determine the story and thought behind their work, rather than letting the work tell it for the viewers. American, Mexican and Asian cultures inspire the creation of my art, colors and style. Bold colors, extravagant composition and the mixing of different schools of thought provoke me to include a variety of methods, techniques and media in my art.

How do you incorporate your talents and studies into the culture of Denver Museum of Nature & Science?

I incorporate my talents and studies into everything that I do. Much like art and design, every conversation and interaction that I have with co-workers and guests can be motivating, inspiring and everlasting. Art can also be fun and exciting, so I try to bring that same type of energy into my work and my daily life. Being bilingual, I’m able to assist my colleagues in a variety of efforts surrounding translation; interpretation; and diversity, equity, inclusion and access. Being able to be a part of work that allows better access and understanding to my community is something that I’m proud of. I hope to make the Museum more accessible to everyone, not just the affluent or to those who speak English.

What have you been most proud of to date?

Graduating from the University of Northern Colorado with degrees in visual communication and art history. I continue to produce art to reinforce and empower my community by showing a fresh style of art, participating in community events and hosting art workshops with migrant students. I now work at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science where my work and efforts are toward making a more inclusive museum.

What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced along the way?

As a first-generation student, the challenges I have faced range from being at a disadvantage economically, having a non-supportive school counselor, being physically assaulted through a mugging and having a broken hand in college, to being under immense economic stress throughout the pandemic. Although there have been many challenges throughout my life, I have no doubt in my capabilities with dealing with adversity. It’s through my determination and drive that I have been able to continue with my path. Like the poem Invictus says, “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.”

What is something you’re currently working on?

At the Museum, I’m currently working on our upcoming temporary exhibitions, “Apollo: When We Went to the Moon” and “Unseen Oceans.” It is exciting to see these projects fully fleshed out from concept and braining storming all the way through execution. Likewise, I am helping the Museum become more accessible by assisting with translations for many experiences that the Museum offers.

What’s next for Maurilio Tapia?

I am not sure what’s next. The world is endless with possibilities and opportunities, I can be creative and experimental with my life and decisions, just as much as I am with my art.

In terms of my career path, my goal is to become a graphic designer. I want to use what I know and learned from school and my previous work as a designer toward a fun and creative career. As a creative, I envision myself being constantly surrounded by the ability to create, adapt and collaborate with many others to share a story, a vision or an experience.

Does being Hispanic mean anything to you?  

Being Hispanic/Latino means everything to me. It’s my identity, my community and my inspiration to keep going. Latinidad and representing latinidad is something I incorporate into my daily life in large and subtle ways. I think for me, being placed in a position where I’m able to break barriers and represent Hispanics/Latinos in the workplace, in the art world and in simple conversations is humbling and awesome at the same time.

I hope that my art continues to serve as an inspiration for current and future generations from all backgrounds worldwide. Dreams can come in all shapes and sizes, but they are never impossible to reach. Get creative, fill your life with color and become the next idol!

FOLLOW MAURILIO:

Instagram: @StarStormTito
Website: www.starstormtito.com
TikTok: @StarStormTito