To the bones, puffer fish (2024) Painting by José Luis Montes

José Luis Montes is a contemporary Mexican painter. His journey into the realm of painting commenced at a young age, beginning his artistic exploration at the tender age of 12. Remarkably, he is entirely self-taught, a testament to his innate talent and unwavering passion for the craft.

In 1990, a significant turning point in Montes' artistic career occurred when he crossed paths with teacher Eduardo Villanueva. Under Villanueva's expert guidance, he honed his skills and expanded his artistic horizons within the workshop located in the vibrant Barrio del Artista in Puebla. It was within this nurturing environment that José Luis Montes held his first solo exhibition in 1991, marking the beginning of his public artistic journey.

Subsequently, Montes ventured into the realm of art restoration, where he had the opportunity to work with ancient techniques, knowledge that continues to influence and enrich his artistic practice to this day.

Throughout the years, Montes held several notable exhibitions at prestigious venues such as the Cholula House of Culture in 1993, the Santa Rosa Museum in 1995, the H. Fiesta Americana in Puebla, and the Casa del Caballero Águila in Cholula in 1997.

Parallel to his exhibitions, Montes embarked on a path of sharing his knowledge and passion for painting. He became a dedicated instructor, teaching art classes to children, adolescents, and adults from 1997 to 2003.

In 2004, Montes made a significant geographical shift, relocating to Tulum in the picturesque Mexican Caribbean. This change of environment profoundly influenced his artistic vision. His work began to reflect the motifs and vibrant colors of the region, with fish motifs emerging as a symbol of freedom, inner strength, and the courage of the soul. Another innovative element in his work was the use of stone paper, an environmentally friendly medium crafted from stone.

During his time in Tulum, Montes actively participated in the Festival of the Sea Turtle from 2004 to 2010, securing second place in the Xcaret Tortuga contest in 2007.

In early 2016, Montes embarked on a new chapter in Spain, where his art was transformed by the local environment. His work incorporated experimental materials, including soot, and adopted darker color palettes. Water became a recurring theme in his paintings, and masks began to appear, symbolizing the mystical, the sacred, and the symbolic aspects of human experience.

Montes showcased his art in various exhibitions during his time in Spain, including group exhibitions in Madrid and Bilbao, along with individual exhibitions in Mieres and Gijón.

Returning to Mexico at the end of 2018, Montes settled in Tequisquiapan, where he continued to create and share his art with the world. His exhibitions at Plaza Pedregal in January 2019 and Centro Seis Gallery in December of the same year showcased the evolution of his artistic style and vision.

In September 2021, Montes exhibited his work with the Sala Marte Gallery in CDMX as part of the group exhibition "Despojando la normalidad."

His commitment to art extended beyond exhibitions, as evidenced by his participation in the group exhibition "Alas Verdes Volando en Libertad" in June 2022, dedicated to the Alas Verdes Foundation and the preservation of green macaws.

In January 2023, Montes presented the exhibition "Natural Environment, Feminine Principle" at the El Alacrán Gallery-Workshop in Cholula, Puebla, further demonstrating his ongoing exploration of themes and artistic expression. José Luis Montes continues to be a dynamic force in the world of contemporary Mexican painting, sharing his unique perspective and creativity with art enthusiasts worldwide.

• Nationality: MEXICO
• Date of birth : 1968
• Artistic domains:
• Groups: Contemporary Mexican Artists