02.19.26

Rafael L. Montgomery II’s Abstract Paintings

Tres Piedras photographer and painter Rafael L. Montgomery II is poised to have some of his abstract paintings in a U.S.

Embassy in Europe.

“The embassies do have artwork such as landscapes, etc., on display, but they show a large amount of abstract art since it doesn’t reflect a certain political viewpoint,” Montgomery said. There is an appeal to abstract art, although when you query a wide selection of people on the subject you’ll often get very conflicting opinions. According to the website Artistry Educational Hub, the appeal of abstract art revolves around numerous reasons.

People are drawn to abstract art not only for its aesthetic appeal but for the freedom it offers in interpretation. Unlike realistic art, which can sometimes tell the viewer what to see, abstract pieces invite individual reflection, resonating differently with each observer based on their experiences and emotions. This unique attribute makes abstract art continually popular across diverse audiences, evoking curiosity and inspiring discussions. As we delve deeper into its dynamics, we uncover why abstract art retains such a significant place in the modern art scene.

Abstract art is a captivating form of visual expression that flips the traditional art narrative on its head by stepping away from precise representation. At its core, abstract art eschews direct reality to embrace the abstract, moving beyond the tangible to explore the realms of color, shape, and form.

These elements are not meant to depict the real world directly but rather to evoke moods, ideas, and emotions that resonate on a personal level.

The genesis of abstract art can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a time when artists sought to break free from the constraints of realism and explore new forms of expression.

One of the foremost pioneers of abstract art was Wassily Kandinsky, who believed that art should capture spiritual reality rather than material form.

Influenced by music, Kandinsky sought to create art that resonated like a symphony, where colors lived and vibrated in harmony and dissonance. He famously said, “Color is the keyboard, the eyes are the harmonies, the soul is the piano with many strings.” Such groundbreaking ideas laid a foundation for future generations of artists who found expression in abstraction, challenging traditional notions of art and beauty.

The language of abstract art is varied and dynamic, ranging from the vivid explosions of color to the minimalist monochromes, each telling a story that is both universal and individual. Abstract art’s allure lies in its ambiguity, allowing each viewer to bring their own experiences and emotions to their interpretation. In this way, abstract art becomes a dialogue between the artist and the observer, a conversation without words where meanings are fluid and open to personal reflection. This artistic form emphasizes the purity of color and form above all, inviting viewers to see beyond the literal and connect on a more sensory level.

Montgomery said he started out as a realistic artist and photographer, but when he saw work by Kandinsky, he decided to delve into abstract art.

“I realized, at least for me, the color and shapes evoked more emotion than with realistic images,” Montgomery explained.

Montgomery grew up in a pretty conservative ranch household in southern New Mexico. His family raised cattle and he thought he might continue the ranching lifestyle but instead worked in the finance industry until he became frustrated with it.

He studied fine art and studio arts at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque while perusing his degree in finance and after moving on from his career in finance decided to move on to his love of art, which he’s been pursuing for the past ten years.

“Both my parents would be aghast with my abstract art if they were still alive,” Montgomery said with a laugh. “They both adored Andrew Wyeth and artwork in Look Magazine by Norman Rockwell.”

Montgomery said he tries to keep things simple with his art.

“Color, shapes, implied movement, interaction… they all play a part in my work,” Montgomery said. “I’ll play around with the elements in a painting until things seem to click.”

Montgomery’s technique echoes his “simplicity” philosophy. He will experiment with various media, jumping from oils to pastels to collage, but all the while he tries to keep things simple in his compositions.

“Simplicity for me is key,” he said.

“I realize, that like all art, my work isn’t for everyone, but if I can prompt some sort of discussion or dissent, perhaps make people question something, then I feel I’ve accomplished what I set out to accomplish.”