Water Lily
Artist: sleepy.day.dreams
Area: LADLE / Los Amigos de la Esquina, Tulum
Year: 2026
Nikte' Ha' — Maya for Water Lily — is sleepy.day.dreams' contribution to the Moniker Art Tulum Residency.
The mural draws its inspiration from the cenotes of the Yucatán Peninsula and the water lily, both of which held deep significance in Maya culture. Cenotes were vital natural and spiritual landmarks, connected to ideas of life, death, and the relationship between the seen and unseen worlds.
Painting it was equally challenging and rewarding. The heat and humidity were constant obstacles, and sudden rain undid hours of work. But the people in the neighborhood were incredibly thoughtful, sharing food, water, home-brewed herbal tea and kind words every day. In the end, it is all of these moments that make an experience what it is.
Thank you to Moniker Art, Tulum Art Club and Ladle for the opportunity — it was an honor to be selected alongside three other talented artists. Thanks for the paint, Colorland México. Every single person on the team took such good care of us; their generosity, support and kindness made this experience all the more special.
