I create art because the world is too alive to keep quiet—bold strokes sharing the energy of the desert, my culture, and the human spirit.
You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!
I create bold, intuitive figurative paintings rooted in Mexican culture—virgins, saints, and Día de los Muertos figures—infused with desert imagery. My work centers on expressive faces, big eyes, and strong color, using paint as an emotional language to tell stories of spirit, memory, and identity.
Where do you find inspiration?I find inspiration in my Mexican roots, spiritual iconography, and personal history—especially growing up in my family’s studio and the memory of my father. The desert landscape, with its light and nopales, also shapes my work. Above all, I’m guided by emotion and color, letting intuition lead each piece.
What would you do with $25,000?I would use $25,000 to open a gallery that brings community together—hosting exhibitions, artist talks, and cultural events. It would be a welcoming space to connect, celebrate culture and community. Where we could share stories through music and art, creating a place where people feel seen, inspired, and part of something meaningful.
Vote for Alejandra Montaño to become The People's Artist while supporting a great cause! Cast your free daily vote or make an even bigger impact when you vote by donation, supporting The Art of Elysium in their mission to use art as a catalyst to help people triumph over difficult life challenges.
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