Cesar Inostroza, Artist-in-Residence

Had I focused on the negative things in my life, all of these other wonderful thingswould have never happened, so I’m just glad that I chose the path that I chose.

—Cesar Inostroza

Image credit: NPS

Cesar often uses large scale elements to make impactful pieces.

NPS

Cesar Inostroza is a celebrated El Paso public artist whose journey began at 16, when he painted his first mural at Bowie High School and was invited to an art symposium at the University of Texas at El Paso. That evening, after meeting assistants of Diego Rivera, he knew he would dedicate his life to creating public art that inspires and connects communities.

Born a first-generation American and raised in El Paso’s Segundo Barrio, Cesar faced many challenges that shaped his fire, resilience, and vision. Those struggles became the foundation of his work, fueling murals that reflect identity, perseverance, and positive self-expression while honoring the community’s spirit.

Over the years, Cesar has created some of El Paso’s most iconic public works, including murals for the El Paso State Office Building, the I-10 Spaghetti Bowl pillars, La Fe Clinic, El Paso Environmental Services, several EPCC campuses, and the Walmart Memorial at Ascarate Park. He has also created uplifting works for the Women’s Opportunity Center, the Child Crisis Center, the El Paso Center for Diabetes, and the Housing Authority of El Paso.

Renowned for his large-scale murals that blend 3D sculptural relief with glass mosaic, wood, cementitious materials, and architectural design, Cesar has proven that with passion, dedication, and hard work, anything is possible. Today, he is recognized as one of the most influential artists in the El Paso, New Mexico, and northern Mexico region. His upcoming projects include works at Chamizal National Memorial, El Paso International Airport, and Lincoln Park.

Cesar has been featured in local media and honored with numerous awards, most recently receiving a proclamation from the City of El Paso for his contributions as a public artist. As he continues his career, he is collaborating with researchers, engineers, and architects to develop 3D-printed sculptural elements that integrate lighting and motion into murals, canopies, and pavilions—pushing the boundaries of what public art can achieve.