HER

A Montreal-based artist of Peruvian origin, HER is recognized as the pioneering female graffiti artist in Montreal.

She was among the first to claim urban space in the same way as men: through street painting and wildstyle pieces.

It was after discovering the Under Pressure Festival in 1998 that she fell in love with graffiti culture. That same year, Chilla was born—a character she began drawing and sharing primarily in the form of stickers plastered throughout the city. By 1999, she had begun painting actively on the streets of Montreal.

In 2006, following her father’s death, she experienced a major creative block and was no longer able to produce typographic pieces as she had before. She brought Chilla back to the center of her artistic practice.

In 2003, the white tears/claws were born—under Chilla’s eyes, they symbolize resilience in the face of adversity and an awareness of injustice. Her smile represents a love of life and the ability to appreciate beauty despite obstacles.

A Peruvian pin-up created in Montreal, Chilla is a fashionista figure inspired by women, musicians, and Montreal’s multicultural richness. Through this character, HER celebrates representation, identity, and cultural pride.

Aware of the visual significance of being a Latina woman in Montreal’s cultural landscape, she paints as much for herself as for young people from immigrant backgrounds and Latino children, so that they can see themselves reflected in public spaces and take pride in who they are, their history, and the richness they bring to the community.