Skip to Content
Details

MAR ~ My Favorite Taco

4:48 PM PDT on April 25, 2011

MAR has been getting up all over LA for a few years now, beautifying the city with images of gorgeous women and other eye-catching visuals on walls, utility boxes, and any other spot he likes. So what makes MAR tick? We found out with a quick Q&A...

What's your favorite taco?
Gallegos Carne Asada Tacos, and their tamales are damn good! I love Pili's too, being open late never hurts.

How did you get your start as a street artist? What was the first incarnation of MAR?
I started as a kid who was just fascinated with drawing on things. I discovered that spray cans and paper bag stencils could leave funny, pointless or perhaps slightly insightful but still totally naive quotes almost anywhere. I made a mess trying to do nothing. I had no rhyme or reason. Then, years later, after carefully watching what I had so quickly jumped into before, I made a more concentrated and directed move to put art out. I did some advertising diss' and funny interventions with krink or paint. I got tired of this because the street ad companies are super-fast to notice new additions, and they quickly redo their posters. I tried putting posters over their posters. They still didn't like that, but I liked putting up posters. That was it.

How long have you lived in LA and what is your favorite neighborhood in LA?
I was born in Santa Monica, lived here ever since. I've lived in 6 different places across LA and still haven't found my favorite spot. I just love being near the ocean. That is for sure.

You have an eye for beautiful women, what is it that makes you choose one beauty over another?
That is a good question. I guess it is like music. Why do you like a one kind of music, and find another to be hard on your ears? Who knows. You just do. People just like what they like, I guess.

What inspires you about Los Angeles?
Everything. Its my home. Inspiration is a funny thing. It comes from anywhere and everywhere... Cali Green is always good though too.

Visit MAR's Tumblr

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More Stories

Seven Dancers Proving L.A.’s Burlesque Scene Is the Best in the World

In a city where younger generations aren't necessarily going out, drinking, or dancing the way they used to, burlesque quietly continues to thrive.

August 12, 2026

EXCLUSIVE: Cuban Asylum Seeker Deported to Africa Without ID, Money, or Cell Phone

Around 80 detainees were forcibly deported to the Central African Republic, which the U.S. strongly advises against visiting due to potential danger. L.A. TACO spoke with 37-year-old Aristides Fernandez Garcia, who has no idea what the future looks like after his 90-day visa expires.

August 11, 2026

How (and Why) to Remove Yourself From Data Miners Tracking You, Using California’s New Privacy Website

Data brokers sell everything they know about you—browsing history, pregnancies, Social Security numbers—to organizations like ICE and CBP, under a recent LexisNexis contract worth up to $22.1 million.

August 11, 2026

Watts’ Viral Tri-Tip BBQ Smoker Just Wanted to Feed His Sick Dad. Now He Feeds a Community

Raul Martinez Jr. of 105BBQ tells L.A. TACO, "Pre-orders sell out within days of posting." People DM him offering to pay in advance, just to hold a spot.

August 10, 2026

Cockroach Found in Adelanto ICE Detention Cell

A detainee from Adelanto ICE Detention Center showed L.A. TACO a live cockroach during a video call. It’s not the first time they have found roaches in their cell.

Three DIY Zine Makers to Support In a Time When Their Craft Is Criminalized

Followed by federal immigration agents or asked to take down their zines, these artists are aware of the danger that comes with speaking out and still going strong.

August 7, 2026