Montclair Artist To Exhibit Works At Library

From the Montclair Public Library: The Montclair Public Library Gallery, 50 South Fullerton Avenue, will host an exhibit by artist John Monto. The display will be on view in the Montclair Public Library Gallery, 50 South Fullerton Avenue, during library hours, Sept. 1 to Sept. 29, 2017. A reception for the artist is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 7 from 6 to 8 pm in the gallery area.

John Monto is a Montclair, New Jersey artist recently relocated from Minnesota. He is part of a group of artists who were influenced by Willem De Kooning and spent time in his studio in East Hampton, NY. Much of his painting has been nonrepresentational art. The art in the show at the Montclair Public Library is an exploration into cut-outs, flat colors and graphic design. Contrasting these two bodies of work, Monto said, “When I work with paint I can go a little crazy painting layer after layer and scraping back to create areas of interest. The cut-outs force me to accept the flat colors as they are and work with how solid color effects the solid color it's placed next to. In one sense I'm using Albers's color studies mixed with my own version of Matisse cut-out experiments to find something new with my own voice. Nevertheless, the same rules apply: composition, balance, harmony and tension.”

John’s total portfolio of art includes painting and sketches from other genres: mixed media and figurative art. John Monto has taught art in Washington, D.C., and his art is owned by over 30 private collectors. A selection of John’s paintings was recently featured at Investors Bank as part of Art Walk Montclair 2016.

The library welcomes inquiries from local artists and arts organizations regarding use of the exhibit space. For further information, please contact the Montclair Public Library (973) 744-0500 ext. 2221.

Photo credit: John Monto