Who doesn’t love a good art collaboration project? It’s become, well, not quite the norm, but a far more common exercise. Brands tapping connecting with artists helps bring character to products all while exposing artists and their works to a broader — even “mass market” audience.
Last month, Modelo partnered with world-renowned Mexico City artist, Saner, to paint two murals on Ossington and Queen West, adding to the city’s ever-growing landscape of world-class public art. SHARP capitalized on this opportunity to sit down with Saner to talk about his work, his inspiration, the joys of collaboration, and more.
You’ve painted in cities around the globe, how was your first experience painting in Toronto?
Every city has its own magic, and that magic depends on the moment you experience it—the weather, the places, the food, and, above all, the people. All of these elements come together to create a unique experience. This trip was especially meaningful because I had the opportunity to visit Toronto with my wife and my two young sons. Discovering the city through their eyes made the experience even more special and filled it with unforgettable memories. Watching them be amazed by every new detail turned this journey into something we will always carry in our hearts.
What was the inspiration behind your two murals in Toronto?
Having the opportunity to create two murals inspired by paying tribute to Modelo, a true Mexican classic, was both exciting and challenging. Bringing a piece of my visual universe to Toronto felt like opening a portal, and that was precisely the intention behind the idea of “Discover Something Special.” Through these murals, we wanted to reveal the magic, mysticism, and romance that often inspire my work and that are deeply rooted in Mexican culture. My goal was to transport viewers into another world — one where vibrant colours and mysterious characters tell unique stories and become a kind of visual poem for the city.
Masks tend to take a central role in much of your work, can you tell us where that comes from or what was the inspiration behind it?
Masks are a fundamental element in my work. Rather than hiding a face, they reveal the true identity of the characters. By wearing them, these figures take on special abilities or a kind of healing power that seeks to connect with the soul of the viewer. Within my murals, masks serve as an invitation to embrace mystery, explore the unknown, and discover what might exist in a parallel world shaped by imagination. They are inspired by different traditions and regions of Mexico, although over time I have developed my own interpretations and versions of them.
Is there a city or wall that you’ve always wanted to paint that you haven’t had the chance to yet?
I do not have a specific city or wall in mind. Instead, I prefer to let life surprise me with each opportunity that comes my way. Every project presents a new creative challenge to solve and a chance to give my work a voice, allowing it to connect with new people and new contexts.
You’ve had the opportunity to work on some pretty major collaborations over the years. How did you end up collaborating with Modelo?
The collaboration with Modelo came through the creative team at Kadence World, particularly through Phil, who invited me to interpret the idea of “Discover Something Special” through my own visual language. It has been one of the most enjoyable and rewarding projects I have had the privilege to be part of. Having the creative freedom to build these visual stories made the experience especially memorable.
You’ve been painting for quite some time now — what changes have you seen in the world of street art since your earlier days?
There have been tremendous changes since I first started painting—from materials and production methods to the opportunities available to artists today. What I love most about this evolution, however, is seeing how murals have become living elements within cities. They are open stories that engage with everyone who encounters them, transforming public spaces into places of connection, reflection, and imagination.
If you could collaborate on a wall with any other muralist, who would it be and why?
I love collaborating with people who help my work grow — people I not only admire but who often become close friends over time. I deeply value those who are willing to set their egos aside in order to create something greater than themselves. That is my vision of collaboration: beyond a name or reputation, I seek shared experiences that allow us to create something meaningful and leave us with a story we will carry with us forever.
Imagery courtesy of Modelo.
