Statement
I believe that the universal language of the arts can break through cultural and personal barriers bringing us closer together as human beings.
I was raised by a strong and loving community of women. They have been a big influence throughout my life. Common themes represented in my work are cultural diversity, gender equality, race, and the empowerment of women. I offer my perspective about the characters that I portray that remain close to my heart. Portraying the uniqueness and strength of the individual allows me to speak to the sameness of our humanity in parallel to the beauty of our cultural differences. I do this with deep respect and admiration for what we share and what makes us different. My art is my voice and my connection to the world.
Biography
Leonardo Montoya was born in Medellin Colombia in 1972. Since his childhood, he has expressed a deep interest in art and the human figure. At the age of eleven, he began his formal studies of drawing and painting. He entered the Eladio Vélez School of Fine Art in Medellin in 1985, where he learned different art techniques.
Montoya returned to Eladio Velez School of Fine Arts in 1994 to study advertising and photography for four years. From 1995 to 1996, he taught art at the National Academy of Arts in Medellin and was an illustrator of medical books for the University of Antioquia.
Having immigrated to the United States in 1998, chasing the American dream. Despite the economic hardship and instabilit
...
view more »
Statement
I believe that the universal language of the arts can break through cultural and personal barriers bringing us closer together as human beings.
I was raised by a strong and loving community of women. They have been a big influence throughout my life. Common themes represented in my work are cultural diversity, gender equality, race, and the empowerment of women. I offer my perspective about the characters that I portray that remain close to my heart. Portraying the uniqueness and strength of the individual allows me to speak to the sameness of our humanity in parallel to the beauty of our cultural differences. I do this with deep respect and admiration for what we share and what makes us different. My art is my voice and my connection to the world.
Biography
Leonardo Montoya was born in Medellin Colombia in 1972. Since his childhood, he has expressed a deep interest in art and the human figure. At the age of eleven, he began his formal studies of drawing and painting. He entered the Eladio Vélez School of Fine Art in Medellin in 1985, where he learned different art techniques.
Montoya returned to Eladio Velez School of Fine Arts in 1994 to study advertising and photography for four years. From 1995 to 1996, he taught art at the National Academy of Arts in Medellin and was an illustrator of medical books for the University of Antioquia.
Having immigrated to the United States in 1998, chasing the American dream. Despite the economic hardship and instability, he never lost his interest in art. He worked with interior designers and participated in numerous art exhibits.
In 2015 Montoya began a series of exhibitions with his Diva collection. This work highlights the character of the female figure and features vibrant colors and three-dimensional effects, based on experimental and mix-media art.
A great year for Leonardo came in 2018 when he had the opportunity to be part of an international exhibition in the United Arab Emirates at the Ras Al Khaimah fine arts festival, where he was awarded the title of Artist of the Year.
He won his first residence period with the Al Qasimi Foundation in the UAE in 2020, taking place in Jan- Apr 2021.
Leonardo got his second residence period at Bailey Contemporary Arts in Pompano Beach 2022-2023 having the opportunity to share his journey and knowledge in art with the community.
View less
