We recently had the chance to connect with Rafael Montilla and have shared our conversation below.
Rafael , really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity is most important to me because it’s the foundation of trust and credibility. Intelligence and energy are valuable, but without integrity, they can be misused or lead to harmful outcomes. I believe that when someone consistently does what’s right—even when it’s difficult—they build strong, lasting relationships and make a meaningful impact. Integrity guides decisions, builds trust, and sets the tone for everything else to follow.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Bio.
Rafael Montilla is a multidisciplinary visual artist based in Miami, FL, originally from Caracas, Venezuela. His work is rooted in geometric abstraction, with the cube serving as a central symbol of harmony, balance, and universal order. The art seeks to inspire conscious evolution and contribute to a more harmonious and sustainable world for both present and future generations.
A transformative chapter unfolded during three years spent in India, immersed in a personal journey of self-discovery and growth. That experience deeply reshaped his worldview and continues to inform his creative practice.
Montilla’s work is distinguished by a strong philosophical foundation, drawing inspiration from Native American wisdom and ancestral teachings across cultures—principles that emphasize the interdependence of all living beings and our shared connection to the universe. These values extend beyond the studio into a broader commitment to community and collective responsibility.
His artistic practice explores the balance between nature and technology, integrating organic materials that represent the human body with artificial components symbolizing modern innovation. Artificial intelligence is embraced as a tool to expand creative boundaries and explore new forms of expression.
My work has been exhibited internationally in museums, galleries, and public spaces across the U.S., Europe, Latin America, and Canada. He is represented by Bernice Steinbaum Gallery, and his work has been shown at major venues including the Venice Biennale (2024), the Tijuana Biennial (2024), and the Solo exhibition at Coral Gables Museum 2017.
Recent highlights include solo exhibitions at Miami Dade College (The Color Continuum, 2025) and the Westchester Regional Library (Marlow Moss: Consciousness of the Universe, 2025), along with participation in the Ancestral Lines exhibition at Coral Springs Museum of Art and MCC ArtScape in the City of Miramar (2024–26). In recognition of his contributions to the arts, the City of Miami proclaimed August 19, 2016, as “Rafael Montilla Visual Artist Day.”
Ultimately, this body of work serves as an invitation for viewers to reflect on who we are, our place in the cosmos, and the kind of future we wish to co-create—together.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that most shaped how I see myself is the one I’ve cultivated with my inner self. During a transformative three-year life in India, I dedicated myself to understanding myself beyond external labels or achievements. That journey deepened my connection with ancestral wisdom, nature, and the universe—and taught me that self-awareness, humility, and responsibility to others are all deeply intertwined.
This inner relationship continues to guide my art and life, reminding me that growth begins from within and radiates outward, shaping how I relate to community, creativity, and the world.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
For as long as I can remember, two things have guided my life: my inner search and art. The defining wounds in my life have come from feeling disconnected—from myself, others, and at times, from a sense of purpose. These moments of disconnection were painful, but they also pushed me inward, toward reflection and self-inquiry.
Living in India was a turning point. That time allowed me to slow down, observe, and reconnect with a deeper part of myself. Through daily introspection and the act of creating, I began to transform those wounds into understanding—and that process continues today.
Art has always been both a compass and a form of healing. It gives shape to what cannot be said, and through it, I’ve found a way to connect, contribute, and grow. The healing hasn’t come from erasing wounds but from integrating them into a larger vision of balance, harmony, and shared humanity.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, 100%. The public version of me is fully aligned with who I am privately. There’s no separation between the person, the artist, and the values I live by. My life and work are both rooted in inner exploration, ancestral wisdom, and a desire to contribute to a more conscious and harmonious world.
What I share through my art and in public spaces is a direct reflection of my inner journey—nothing is fabricated or performed. Transparency, integrity, and coherence are essential to me, so being real—publicly and privately—is not only natural, it’s necessary.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When have you had to bet the company?
Never. My journey hasn’t required me to “bet the company” in a dramatic or high-stakes way. Instead, it’s been shaped by steady growth, deep inner work, and a long-term vision grounded in alignment rather than risk.
That said, I believe all of us experience ups and downs—challenges that test our resolve and moments that call for courage. For me, those moments have been met not with drastic bets, but with introspection, trust in the process, and a commitment to staying true to my path. Even bold decisions—like living in India for three years or integrating new technologies into my art—came from a place of purpose, not pressure.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rafaelmontillaart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rafaelmpaintings/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafaelmontilla/
- Twitter: https://x.com/RafaMontillaart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/montillarafael/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RafaMontillaArt
Image Credits
06-19-2025 The Color Continuum – Exhibition Opening-124: image credits Miami Dade College – Hialeah Campus
Liberty: image credits City of Miramar
