José Montoya
Artist and Educator
Create as if your life depended on it
Community in the time of corona
What I have observed and I gathered from doctors and scientists is that in order to move beyond the Corona Virus, the community has to band together (from the insides of our homes). The two pieces posted here represent that and grew organically from within the community; I met Diego “Robot” Martínez (co-owner of Galería Lincoln and @diegorobot on IG) through Power at the Pass after my solo show late last year. He offered to collaborate, and this is what we came up with: my photos and his intense painting. In my opinion, two pieces that suggest that we did our best to overcome the pandemic by staying focused, creative and supportive. These two pieces are up for sale. Send a message if you’re interested! You’d be helping two working artists during this difficult time.
I’m also working with a group of young vloggers, where I will help with content creation for an up-and-coming fronterizo social justice podcast. Be on the look out. In the meantime, I continue to create, and to resist the crippling nature of the facist regime.
Feliz Año 2020
Patrolling Duranguito. Que si tenía miedo? Obvio. Who are these women for those who don’t know? Chingonas. That’s who. Do your own research. Learn your history. As the old saying goes, every movement needs women and queers. We can willfully dissent from the powers that be. Let your art be your weapon. Please share. Thanks to @vlendo for your support and to all those chingonas for the financial support and who helped make this vision come true. #elpaso#juarez#lascruces#frontera#artefronterizo#chicanoart#elpasoart#elpasoartist#duranguitoreziste#elpasoresiste#adelita#lasadelitas#artemexicano#papi#queerart#urbanart#femmeart
Power at the Pass: The BWOMS Podcast
My first solo art show, “Chicano Existentialisms: This River is of Love” was due to the hustle and efforts of the talented Valentin Sandoval, content creator for Power at the Pass. Richie Marrufo, hosted both Valentin and I for a conversation on the creation and direction of “Chicano Existentialisms” on Power at the Pass’ BWOMS Podcast. We also discussed my artistic trajectory, community work and some interesting stories shared between Valentin and I. Please check out the podcast–let me know what you think!
Barrio Panther
What an honor it is to have “La Leona” be featured on the cover of El Paso’s very own Barrio Panther, Vol 3. A literary magazine with poetry, prose, art and culture. Barrio Panther has been such a huge support of my work and I’m really grateful. There are many other artists and writers in this work. Please check out Barrio Panther’s website where you can purchase your copy. 
Chicano Existentialisms
Please join me on November 9, 2019 here in El Paso, TX. I have been waiting on this moment for a long time!
