Ivan Montoya’s solo exhibition of paintings explores the dynamics between first/second generation immigrants and their parents. As the Spanish word for ‘seeds,’ Semillas can refer to the children of immigrants themselves or the inherited/observed values or habits in the children as they build their life on new soil.
Through this transition, families are forced to re-approach how they understand their surroundings and social dynamics. In doing so, the relationships between the different members of a unit are tested through growth and change. These paintings visually represent moments in the difficult cultivation of a better future, the irrigation of mentalities/values, and the harvesting of possibilities.
Standing in the middle of the gallery surrounded by these paintings, the room temperature seemed to perceptively rise due to Montoya’s blazing palette. He uses a soft mint green in Descanso (Rest) to keep the picture from fully igniting. The treatment of the figure, particularly the man’s arms, in this stylized way reminds of Diego Rivera.
Tercos (Headstrong) portrays a son’s relationship with his mother as he begins to pushback yet stay connected. The lighter background emphasizes the figures while providing a location.
Montoya uses masks in Latchkey to protect the possibly guilty as the painting describes childhood games taking a mischievous turn. Fire is depicted in cool tones defying convention as well as this artist’s usually blistering coloration.
Narrating from actual events, this scene could be taken from a favorite childhood story where the father improvises a fishing pole with a bottle that magically conjures a bountiful catch. Montoya uses his same combination of colors yet does it in such a way this picture reads much cooler due to balanced deployment that also coincides with a watery versus parched environment.
Most parents laboriously and lovingly build a life foundation they hope their children can improve upon. Traditions are passed down connecting generations. Rituals and symbols may modify over time, but whether we embrace or reject our family’s influence, it informs and drives who we are.
On view through November 19th at Playground Detroit 2845 Gratiot Ave, Detroit
*images are courtesy of Playground Detroit unless otherwise noted
direct quote from gallery materials
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