about me
about me
“In her painting practice, Arianna investigates perception, memory, and the inevitable distortions that time and emotion introduce. Her use of color is central—bold, playful, and unexpected—while the layering of strokes remains deliberate and thoughtful. Through this approach, she explores the shifting boundaries between recollection and reinterpretation.”
-María José Barquero, Art Journalist
statement
My artistic practice investigates the interplay between reality, memory, perception, and perspective, exploring how intangible experiences can be visually represented to foster deeper understanding. I begin by photographing moments, objects, or scenes from my surroundings, filtering reality through my perception before distorting these elements through painting. This process externalizes the manipulation of thought, emotion, and consciousness, reflecting how perception is shaped by memory, context, and personal bias.
Rooted in personal observations, my work often reveals underlying cultural and psychological tensions—particularly those experienced by women in a Latin American context. By distorting reference imagery and layering compositions, I highlight the fluidity of memory and the shifting nature of experience. I am particularly drawn to the psychological implications of color and its ability to evoke subconscious associations, employing both traditional oil painting and contemporary techniques to disrupt linear storytelling. Through intentional alterations in form and color, I create spaces where multiple interpretations coexist, inviting viewers to engage with the complexities of perception and emotional resonance.
“From a curatorial perspective, Arianna Montoya’s work is a visual alchemy—where color is not merely a medium, but a language through which she deconstructs and transforms reality. Through delicate overlays and infinite layers of oil paint, her work creates subtle yet profound distortions, inviting the viewer to question perception and delve into the fluidity of memory and identity.”
— Martha Palacio, Art Curator