Montana
Cooke

Statement

Montana Cooke's art is a journey through the realm of emotions and textures. With each composition, Cooke dives into a world of possibilities, incorporating acrylic paint, Indian ink, tissue paper and clay, a diverse range of mixed media. Her process is marked by an unapologetic physicality, where she embraces bold, loose and free flowing marks that dance across the canvas. One of the hallmarks of Cooke's work is the intricate layering that defines each piece. These layers bring forth an abundance of texture, creating a tactile experience that draws the viewer in, making the paintings feel three-dimensional. It's within these textured depths that Cooke introduces an ensemble of cartoon-like characters. These characters are not mere whimsical creations, they are the embodiments of people she knows, places she's explored and the vivid visions and deep thoughts that have profoundly resonated with Cooke herself.

The use of strong brush strokes, expressive stylistic techniques and vivid colour palette is used as a tool to connect abstract feelings with visual storytelling, allowing viewers to navigate the intricacy of human emotions. Painting grants Cooke the freedom to explore the fringes of her imagination, where she transforms her anxieties and subconscious dream like state into a fascinating adventure. It opens the door to endless possibilities, a realm where compositions seem out of the ordinary, unusual and intimate, where the eccentric finds its own beauty, a celebration of the human experience.