Dalila Vonden Stemmen

Dalila Vonden Stemmen, born in 1952 in Guatemala, is a self-taught artist currently based in Phoenix, Arizona. With a deep passion for art since childhood, Dalila’s journey began under the influence of her father, a teacher at a fine academy in Guatemala City. In the 1970s, she sold her paintings near Guatemala’s scenic lakes, learning from and inspired by masters like Willem de Kooning, Jackson Pollock, Vincent Van Gogh, and Georgia O’Keeffe. Her artistic practice spans acrylic painting, sculpting, and mixed media, often incorporating elements such as traditional newspapers to reflect current events and historical narratives. Dalila’s work explores themes of American history, politics, unity, and global connections, blending contemporary expressionism with formal modernist critique. Her pieces are rich with hidden messages, typography, and cultural
symbols that aim to evoke reflection and dialogue. Dalila’s creative process is unstructured and intuitive, starting with a blank canvas and evolving organically. Inspired by storytelling, beauty, and philanthropy, she sees art as a means to give back to the community and document significant moments in time. Her works have been featured in exhibitions such as the 2024 LA Art Show, the Civic Center in Las Vegas, and the City Art Women’s Show. Rooted in her Latin heritage, Dalila’s art bridges cultural gaps, conveying ideas that transcend language. Through her work, she hopes to promote unity, love, and understanding, emphasizing the power of art to inspire connection and social consciousness.

Dalila Vonden Stemmen’s art captures the essence of storytelling, history, and cultural unity. With a contemporary expressionist style that merges abstract influences and formal critique, her work addresses deep societal themes, from American history and politics to environmental concerns and global events. Dalila’s creative process is deeply intuitive, beginning with a blank canvas and unfolding through the interplay of colors and textures. She incorporates traditional newspapers and other materials to document significant moments, creating pieces that serve as both visual art and historical records. Her art reflects her Latin roots and personal experiences, offering a medium to communicate ideas beyond the limitations of language. Through her creations, Dalila aspires to inspire love, understanding, and unity, using her platform to give back to her community and encourage reflection on shared human experiences.