Lamonté French
LaMonte" being his birth given middle name and "French" standing as the torch to pay-homage to his Creole grandmother.French's love for art began as a small child, with his father, who was a high profile athlete, serving as his first muse. He can recall drawing his father in his uniform with details such as muscle strands and movements, color patterns of uniform sequences and even sweat dripping off the body. Naturally, his father was his first hero. French's mother's influence was through High Fashion and her flare for opulence, which created balance in his creative demeanor.
French compares his approach to his work as to the approach of his favorite philosophers, Erickson, Piaget and Nietzsche. He then entangles the genius and freedom of creative minds such as Versace, Lagerfeld, Saint Laurent, Ralph Lauren and Virgil Ibloh. Their drive and passion, through fashion inspires him. He intertwines these two worlds in comparison to a Jazz tale being told by Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Being true to the description, his two Favorite Jazz albums are "Bitches Brew" by Miles Davis and "In a Sentimental Mood" by John Coltrane/Duke Ellington.
French is the grandson of two military Veterans. Those two men taught him that his name and his content will be his lasting influence.
LaMontè French is a self-taught abstract-expressionist artist. The griot of his work is to give a compelling story of history's past and build a bridge to correlate with present day times' relevance."LaMonte" being his birth given middle name and "French" standing as the torch to pay-homage to his Creole grandmother.
Exhibitions
-
Past Exhibition (2023)
Ellio Fine Art Presnts
LaMonte French Como Se Va
-
Past Exhibition (2022)
Alise Art Group Presents
LaMonté French Memoirs of Love and Hate
-
past exhibition (2021)
Alise Art Group Presents
LaMonté French Fuego
Watch LaMonte French “Como Se Va”
"Como se Va" a solo exhibition presented by Ellio Fine Art stands apart from French's previous works, as it is not simply layered with history, but with the artist himself. It is a reflection of his personal experiences, emotions, and perspectives, imbued within the layers of the canvas. It is a unique and intimate representation of the artist's innermost self, and a powerful expression of his personal vision.
It is a deeply personal work, one that tells the story of a metamorphosis. It is an exploration of the many facets of the self, and the various versions of oneself that one may embody throughout life. The canvas becomes a visual representation of this transformative process, a powerful expression of the artist's personal growth and evolution.
French has developed a unique visual language, in which different idioms serve as symbols for deeper narratives, often rooted in history. This masterful use of symbolism imbues his work with rich layers of meaning, inviting the viewer to delve deeper and uncover the stories hidden within. It is a testament to French's exceptional ability to convey complex ideas and emotions through his art.
His incorporation of Wall Street journals into his canvases is a noteworthy aspect of his art. The deliberate placement of the journals imbues the canvas with a sense of purpose and meaning, as if the stories and events depicted within the pages are woven into the very fabric of the piece. The energy and narrative contained within the layers of the canvas is truly astounding.
French's evolution as an artist is captivating. His incorporation of unconventional materials into his practice demonstrates his exceptional creativity and willingness to push the boundaries of his artistic expression. It is a testament to the depth and versatility of his talents
"Como se Va" is not simply a collection of 15 individual works, but a living, ever-evolving entity. It reflects the ongoing journey of French as an artist, just as his own evolution and growth will continue. It is a representation of the dynamic and fluid nature of artistic expression, and a reflection of the artist's own evolution and growth. It is an ever-unfolding narrative that will continue to evolve and expand as the artist does.
Films by @CharlesHolt
Watch LaMonte French “Memoirs of love and hate”
Films by @CharlesHolt
French's work, in "Memoirs of Love and Hate," challenges the traditional reverence given to the American flag by deconstructing and disfiguring it through tearing and discoloration. Through this process, he captures a dichotomy of emotions, including love, fondness, devotion, and lust, that exist alongside animosity, anxiety, and hatred towards America. In reconstructing the flag, French exposes the complexities and contradictions of American identity, highlighting the danger and mental fatigue that comes with loving a country that may not reciprocate that love.
