The Contemporary Renaissance collection
finds its origin in Montana Engels’ long-standing fascination with Renaissance art and the great masters. During her studies in Paris, including time spent at the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, she developed a deep appreciation for the balance of light, movement, and human presence found in classical works.
In this series, Engels revisits these influences through her signature contemporary stripe technique, translating classical compositions into a new visual language. The works reference the depth, chiaroscuro, and movement associated with artists such as da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Rodin, while remaining firmly rooted in her own stripes practice.
At the same time, this collection marks a deliberate shift in her process. While her work is typically defined by precision and control, in these pieces Montana explores a more imperfect, nonchalant and instinctive approach. Visible brushstrokes, paint drips, and irregularities are left untouched, allowing the process itself to remain present within the work.
Up close, the paintings appear raw and abstract. From a distance, they resolve into detailed compositions, revealing the tension between structure and release that defines this series.
