Maria Esther Panesso Mercado

Drawing from a life rich with diverse experiences, Maria Esther Panesso Mercado is an artist whose work is a powerful reflection of her multifaceted journey. Born and living in Bogotá, Colombia, Maria’s story is a tapestry woven with threads of law, business, and art. Her academic path is a testament to her dedication, with a scholarship leading her to earn two degrees—International Business Administration and Law—from the University of La Sabana. She further honed her strategic and leadership skills by completing an MBA at IE Business School in Madrid.

While her professional life saw her navigating the worlds of law firms, oil and gas, and a real estate startup, art was a consistent and profound study from her childhood. It was her father, Hernán Panesso, who first recognized her talent and instilled in her the discipline required to turn a dream into a life project. Though his untimely passing caused her to put down her paintbrush for a time, she eventually returned to her passion, understanding it was part of his legacy.

Her artistic identity, MERCADO, is a heartfelt tribute to her mother, Esther Elena Mercado Jaraba, celebrating her values of strength, courage, and determination. This reverence for female resilience is the driving force behind her art. Having practiced Family Law, Maria discovered a deep purpose in supporting women in vulnerable situations, and she now transforms legal challenges into empowering narratives on canvas. Her art is a clear and powerful manifestation of her commitment to women's rights.
Maria's work has garnered significant international attention, with exhibitions at prominent venues like Rockefeller Center in New York City in 2023. Her art has been featured on the Nasdaq screen in Times Square and in prestigious media outlets, including Forbes, which recognized her as one of the 50 most creative Colombians in the world in December 2023. By harmoniously merging her legal and artistic spheres, Maria Panesso Mercado seeks to inspire others to embrace their passions and transcend conventional boundaries.

* April 28, 2022: "Esperanza Policromica," Calle 95 # 15-33
* March 2, 2023: "Danza Felina," Avenida Carrera 15 # 119-86, Edificio Atavi
* July 7, 2023: Museo Beka, Rockefeller Center, 630 Fifth Avenue, Floor 20, New York, NY
* July 10, 2023: Consulate of Colombia in New York, 10 East 46th Street, New York, NY
* October 5, 2023: "Sagrado Femenino," JW Marriott, Calle 73 # 8-60, Bogotá
* September 14, 2023: Exhibition at the Bogotá Council, receiving recognition for representing Colombia abroad
* December 8, 2023: Month-long exhibition with Dalita Navarro at the Fundación Escuela Taller, Barichara, Santander