Victor Ochoa

ABOUT VICTOR OCHOA

American activist, painter, graphic designer and master muralist. He has painted over 100 murals, many of them in San Diego, California. He has 3,000 followers on Instagram.

He graduated from high school in 1967 and moved to San Diego, California. In San Diego, he attended City College and received an associate degree in technical illustration. Afterwards, he attended San Diego State and graduated with a BA in 1974.

He considers public art, especially murals, as an important teaching tool for members of his community, and because many Chicanos do not visit galleries or museums and instead learn about history and other ideas through public art. He has said, "Art is part of the solution of issues in society and Chicano art has been the expression of our people's struggle." Publications such as the San Diego Tribune have covered his work as an artist.

He was born in South Central Los Angeles and later his family moved to East Los Angeles. When he was seven, his family was removed from Los Angeles by United States Immigration as part of "Operation Wetback." He lived in Tijuana for about ten years and spent time working with his family in a carpentry factory when he was old enough to help. He has a son, Victor, and a daughter.

Other famous muralists include Diego Rivera , José Clemente Orozco , Shepard Fairey , and Banksy.