“…collage allows you to recreate absolutely extraordinary atmospheres and I love it because it is the art of chaos, there really are no rules to give free rein to your creativity, for me it represents play and freedom.”

— Rocio Montoya, 2024

1) LOCATION?

Madrid, Spain 🇪🇸

2) YEARS COLLAGING?

My first experiments with the analog collage began about 2014.

3) WHAT DO YOU LOVE AND DISLIKE ABOUT COLLAGE?

I have been a photographer for many years and I have always been interested in the manipulation of photographic images, although I had always done these techniques digitally. I needed another presence for my photographs, a real physical body that would transcend the ephemeral nature of a computer screen and Photoshop. That's how I dared to take scissors and glue and fell in love with this technique, with the peace that creative moments bring me and the richness of textures and shapes to reach the final art. In addition, collage allows you to recreate absolutely extraordinary atmospheres and I love it because it is the art of chaos, there really are no rules to give free rein to your creativity, for me it represents play and freedom.

4) BIGGEST INFLUENCES?

Surrealism, geometric art, botanical and science art. In the field of collage I would highlight Ashkan Honarvar, who was also the first person to put collage in my photos. I adore his work and his presence in my career was decisive in making me feel attracted to this discipline. Painting has also been quite inspiring when it comes to approaching my work. I love the paintings of Georgia O'keeffe and Hilma af Klint.

5) ANALOG VS DIGITAL, PROS & CONS?

I really like both techniques. To say something, I think the best thing about analog collage is the physical presence that the final art has, it's like a living entity and that can make you connect in a more organic way with the work.

On the other hand, digital collage is infinite, you can literally do whatever you want and the visual resources multiply, in addition to the convenience of creating from a computer or tablet anywhere. I find digital collage more practical and accessible and analog collage more fun.

6) THREE TIPS FOR SOMEONE STARTING OUT IN COLLAGE?

1. Start from a safe place for yourself, without comparing yourself to anyone and enjoying the process of creation.

2. Don't be afraid to express yourself freely, even if you think your technique is not good or your speech is not interesting, let yourself be guided by your intuition and your own truth.

3. Don't be overwhelmed by the materials, you can make something wonderful out of practically anything, the key is to experiment and play.

7) HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR DOWNTIME?

I am a very calm person. I have been living in a house in the countryside for 3 years and what I like to do most is walk with my dog in nature, read a good book, cook some delicious vegetarian dish or spend time with my family and friends. When I go to the city I always make time to see an art exhibition, go to concerts or travel is also one of my favorite things to do.

8) WHERE DO YOU SEE YOUR ART PRACTICE HEADING?

For several years now, my artistic activity, especially focused on the professional field, has been centred on illustration and painting. This has diverted my focus quite a bit from collage, especially analogue, a practice that I now miss quite a bit, since in recent years all collage work has been digital.

In the near future I want to delve into new series mixing my paintings and illustrations with collage, I would like to go back to picking up scissors more often instead of giving so much prominence to brushes and illustration, although everything is a learning process, and it is good to put aside a practice if that means that you miss it and that you can take it up again with enthusiasm again.

*Letargo IV, Analog collage on card, 21x30 cm, 2017*

9) WHAT THREE ARTISTS SHOULD WE CHECK OUT?

Jean-François Lepage

Annegret Soltau

Lola Dupré

10) WHAT MUSIC ARE YOU LOVING RIGHT NOW?

I am a very eclectic person musically, I like to make playlists and listen to various music to get inspired. Right now I am very hooked on trip-hop and folk music. Sade and Karen Gibson has been playing a lot in the studio these last few days.

11) UP-AND-COMING EXHIBITIONS OR PROJECTS WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT?

Right now I'm very busy with several work projects until the end of the year, but whenever I have time I continue creating personal work with the intention of having a solo exhibition in my city soon, I hope that can be done.

See more 👀

Gram: @rocio_montoya
Web: rociomontoya.com