From the Studio to the Street: Making Murals in Buenos Aires

Street art was on Dutch painter Marleen’s bucket list for years, but she kept finding a reason to postpone it. When a trip to Bali with a friend got cancelled, however, she knew it was time to make the leap. A VAWAA in Buenos Aires with renowned street artist Pum Pum would give her the opportunity to learn the entire mural process from start to finish and create her own piece of street art. Even though Marleen had traveled partially solo before—spending a few days on her own before meeting up with friends—she felt a bit apprehensive about being completely alone in Buenos Aires, especially since it was her first time exploring a new continent independently. However, she soon discovered that spending her days with a local artist, who had friends all over the city, opened up plenty of opportunities to connect with new people and make the experience even more enriching.

Sure enough, Marleen did more than check an item off her bucket list in Buenos Aires. She created her first mural, a depiction of Japanese cranes, with Pum Pum’s guidance. Later, she was offered the chance to create a second mural at one of the city’s most prestigious street art galleries. Inspired by a beautiful peacock photograph, she adapted the design to fit the new space, using vibrant colors to bring it to life. These experiences introduced her to new artistic approaches, which she’s brought back to her painting practice in the Netherlands. And perhaps most memorably, she made new friends with the warm and welcoming people of Buenos Aires, which she says was her favorite part of the trip.* 

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I live in The Hague, Netherlands, and during the day I work at a desk job, but I paint part-time and actively seek new projects. My journey with art came from within. I drew a lot as a kid and had started drawing again a few years ago as a way to express ideas, and it soon grew into a deep passion. Now, I rent a studio to dedicate time to refining my craft, focusing on portraits and expressive works. I’m definitely more of a doer than a philosopher, always looking for new experiences and connections with like-minded individuals.

What drew you to painting?

My interest in painting came from an internal desire to create and explore new forms of expression. When I felt inspired, I picked up a pencil and started sketching. After receiving positive feedback on my initial work, I decided to push myself further and experiment with new techniques and subjects. What began as simple drawings gradually turned into a passion for capturing moments, people, and themes that inspire me in paint. Now, I challenge myself to expand my skills, working on everything from detailed portraits to vast cityscapes.

What’s a dream you have for your future?

I aspire to transition towards a more professional art career, where painting and creating art—particularly portrait work and larger projects—play a bigger role in my daily life. My goal is to find a balance between desk work and art, and eventually expand into larger projects, exhibitions, and collaborations with other artists. I’d like to reach a place where I can be confident in my practice and share my work with a wider audience.

Geographically, I still have a desire to spend a few years on the West Coast of the US, where the arts scene is lively and full of opportunities to grow. I’m also deeply drawn to Japan, where I can imagine myself living in a serene, tiny house on a hillside, immersing myself in the culture while refining my artistic skills. My ultimate aim is to create art that resonates with people, through both commissioned portraits and independent works, while continuing to evolve as an artist.

Marleen working on her first mural, a depiction of Japanese cranes. Courtesy of Marleen.

What drew you to a VAWAA with Pum Pum?

Creating wall art had been on my bucket list for over two years, but I kept postponing it, thinking I needed to work on my skills first. I was planning to travel to Bali with a friend, but when she couldn’t join, I came across Pum Pum on the VAWAA website and thought, “Yes. This is my chance. I’m going to do this.”

Had you traveled solo before?

Not an entire trip, but when travelling with others, I enjoy spending a few days on my own, visiting museums and exploring things I’ve discovered online or on Pinterest that my friends might not be as enthusiastic about. However, I had never taken a full vacation solo before, so this was a first.

How did that go?

I was fortunate to have Pum Pum, who was incredibly kind. She recommended I join a graffiti tour by Graffitimundo with some of her friends. I ended up meeting wonderful people there, and even got invited to paint in a gallery. It was an amazing way to connect with and meet new people throughout the experience.

Tell us about when you arrived and first met Pum Pum. 

We first met for coffee, exchanging experiences and backgrounds to get to know each other better, which was lovely given we’d be spending three days together. It was also essential for Pum Pum to understand who I am and the level of experience I had. Learning about the history behind her wall art in Buenos Aires was truly fascinating. She asked to see the sketches I had prepared for the trip, and her enthusiasm for several of them was encouraging. We discussed ideas and agreed on a plan, assigning me some homework to refine the final design before we started.

And what was it like working with Pum Pum? 

She was very calm and friendly, creating a wonderful environment to learn. She walked me through all the steps, from achieving perfect circles to selecting the right paint and preparing the wall. It was invaluable to have someone guide me through the entire process so thoroughly. 

Tell us a little more about the process of actually creating a mural.

The design phase is crucial, which is a challenge for me because I’m not particularly fond of sketching. However, it taught me to be efficient with my time since you can’t afford to linger when working on a wall. We had three days to complete it, so once the design was finalized, we began measuring. The work was done in layers, starting with a gray wall, then using crayon for the outline. We added a white base layer for the birds, followed by black and yellow accents. On the final day, we refined the edges and added some 3D effects for a polished finish.

The completed mural. Courtesy of Marleen.

What was your routine like while you were there?

We met each day around 11 a.m., with Pum Pum always welcoming me with coffee, cookies, and mate tea. After a quick chat, we’d head to the wall and dive into painting. Time seemed to fly by, and before we knew it, five hours had passed. In the evenings, I’d return to my Airbnb, which was perfect since everything in Argentina stays open late. After settling in, I’d have dinner, explore the neighborhood a bit, and work on refining my mural design for the next day.

Tell us the story of your second mural and how that came to be.

During the Graffitimundo gallery tour, I met a wonderful guide, and as we talked about my mural with Pum Pum, I discovered they were friends. When I mentioned I was looking for another spot to create a mural, she generously offered me a large section of a wall at the gallery. That evening, I came across a beautiful peacock photograph on Pinterest that sparked an idea. I played around with the colors and composition to make it my own, and that’s how the second mural came to life.

Marleen working on her second mural, this time at one of the best urban art galleries in Buenos Aires. Courtesy of Marleen.

Marleen's completed second mural. Courtesy of Marleen.

What did you enjoy about painting murals? 

As an artist working in a studio, working alone can sometimes feel isolating until you share your work and see others’ responses to it. With murals, there’s an immediate connection with the public. People pass by and notice, and that interaction is gratifying.

This was your first time in Buenos Aires. What was your favorite thing about the city?

I was fortunate to stay in Palermo, a vibrant neighborhood. Even in winter, people gathered in parks to enjoy the sunshine. I loved how late everything stayed open and how people embraced connecting with each other. The sense of community and openness was so welcoming, which made my experience all the more special.

What was your favorite memory from your experience?

It’s difficult to choose just one moment. From start to finish, it was an incredible journey. The excitement at the beginning, the satisfaction as the mural took shape, and the pride at the end were all memorable. I especially cherished the conversations. Leaving Buenos Aires was bittersweet, as I felt a sense of accomplishment but also sadness at parting from the people and the vibe of the city. 

How did making your own murals impact your painting back home?

The experience taught me the value of preparation and planning. I have an upcoming mural project here, a large- squid for a client’s home. And while murals won’t become my primary focus, I’d like to create a few in the near future. Working with Pum Pum instilled a new level of productivity and planning that I hope to apply to both murals and my other canvas paintings in the future.

*Comments have been lightly edited for clarity and length 

Vacation with Pum Pum in Buenos Aires, Argentina

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