MAÑANA REPUBLIC

MAÑANA REPUBLIC

I first encountered Manana Republic's art at Market Market in Palm Springs. I was immediately drawn to it by the vibrant colors and tropical vibes. I snapped a photo with the intention of researching the artist and delving deeper into their work. In a serendipitous turn of events, Dero Jensen, the artist behind Manana Republic, lived in Phoenix, so naturally, I had to reach out to find out more.
We met  over coffee at A Flour Shop and chatted about the inspiration behind his tropical folk art, his restaurant projects, and his hopes for Phoenix, particularly the preservation of affordable creative spaces for young artists to live and create art. This was followed by a tour of his studio in the Garfield Historic District, which was filled with his work, beautifully crafted paper masks, and handmade artisan piñata burros in various colorways, awaiting their debut at Bacanora, as well as his upcoming restaurant project collaboration with Rene Andrade - Huarachis Taqueria, opening later this fall.

I chose him to be the featured artist for the latest MAIL.BOX.ART Project because his art offers a lighthearted experience, exuding playful optimism that makes me smile.

Explore his current print series, featured in the MAIL.BOX.ART No.14 which were inspired by his childhood dream of becoming a marine biologist, or go bold with one of his original acrylic panel pieces.