Daniel Del Real is a multidisciplinary artist based in Indianapolis. Born in Tijuana and raised in Los Angeles, Daniel incorporates pop imagery and indigenous iconography into his art practice. He is best known for his series of works titled “Giant Mexicanadas” in which popular Mexican objects are blown up into giant proportions and open for viewer interaction. Daniel obtained his bachelor of science degree in visual communication design from the University of Indianapolis in 2005 and has been active in Indy’s arts and culture landscape since.
Daniel’s work explores the limbo experienced by people who are born in foreign lands but raised in the US, often feeling alienated by both places. He has shown work across central Indiana including the Eiteljorg Museum and the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Gallery as well as the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington DC. Additionally, Daniel serves as a curator at Indy’s Global Village and mentors Latino and BIPOC artists in his free time through Arte Mexicano en Indiana’s LAMP and MAPS programs.
Daniel is currently working on the Global Village’s exhibit and event calendar for 2025 which includes an internal comprehensive plan to increase the number of artists served through its programs. He is also planning for the Latino Artist Mentorship Program’s 2nd year which will launch the program statewide. Additionally, Daniel is working on personal projects for 2025 that include unveiling the next work in his Giant Mexicanadas series as well as launching a collection of gold and silver jewelry.