For his exhibit in the Hudson (Show)Room at ArtPace, Montgomery continues his investigations of consumer culture and the aesthetics of minimalism. The sculptural pieces in the shoe make architectural references to generic “loopland” strip-mall landscapes: commercial signage, acoustical ceilings in fast-food restaurants, and anti-theft sensors in retail stores. Visually, the works utilize the style of minimalism’s masters (including Carl Andre, Dan Flavin, Donald Judd, Agnes Martin, and Robert Ryman), yet the resulting works are emotionally charged. Using fluorescent light boxes, neon and tissue paper, Montgomery converts the static nature of commercial icons into active, emotive objects that challenge the viewer to respond to the homogenization of our cultural landscape.
