José Enrique Montes Hernandez
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José Enrique Montes Hernandez, a photographic artist born in El Salvador and raised in Canada, draws inspiration from his experiences in the Dominican Republic and Taiwan. Educated in film arts at Altos de Chavón and photography in Canada, Montes documents life through his unique lens. His work, featured in books, newspapers, and magazines, has cemented his reputation as a successful photographer, gallery director, and curator.
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manos
“...but within his portfolio are projects that wrongfoot you, such as this Manos series which is all about multiplicity and a disconcertingly unwavering focus on slightly different actions. There’s no explanation, no context or dates on his work all of which I feel rather adds to the enigmatic charm.”
“...but within his portfolio are projects that wrongfoot you, such as this Manos series which is all about multiplicity and a disconcertingly unwavering focus on slightly different actions. There’s no explanation, no context or dates on his work all of which I feel rather adds to the enigmatic charm.”
jean leloup
From 2009 until around 2012-2013, I documented the work and life of Canadian rockstar Jean Leloup, an icon especially in Quebec. I followed Jean from recording studios to shows and into his personal life. During these years, I took many pictures, some of which were widely used for communications, press, and book publications.
From 2009 until around 2012-2013, I documented the work and life of Canadian rockstar Jean Leloup, an icon especially in Quebec. I followed Jean from recording studios to shows and into his personal life. During these years, I took many pictures, some of which were widely used for communications, press, and book publications.
regresar
The relationship between a person and their environment is a constant concern. It can be accidental or intimate, simple or profound, subtle or harsh. It can be painful or beneficial. Above all, it can be real or imaginary. It’s about relating events, giving them life, or simply assigning them a story.
The relationship between a person and their environment is a constant concern. It can be accidental or intimate, simple or profound, subtle or harsh. It can be painful or beneficial. Above all, it can be real or imaginary. It’s about relating events, giving them life, or simply assigning them a story.
ladies of the night
Hung out with some ladies working the night shift in Dominican Republic. Shot on a Contax T2 and scanned on a dusty, old flatbed-scanner with a modifided negative holder.
Hung out with some ladies working the night shift in Dominican Republic. Shot on a Contax T2 and scanned on a dusty, old flatbed-scanner with a modifided negative holder.
streets of taiwan
In late 2015, I moved to Taiwan and lived there for almost eight years. During that time, alongside handling other art-related business, I documented my surroundings and life in Taiwan.
In late 2015, I moved to Taiwan and lived there for almost eight years. During that time, alongside handling other art-related business, I documented my surroundings and life in Taiwan.
streets of taiwan (book)
compiled my years of living in Taiwan into a self-published photo book titled "Streets of Taiwan."
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ISBN 9781446665107
compiled my years of living in Taiwan into a self-published photo book titled "Streets of Taiwan."
︎
ISBN 9781446665107
time warp
I’ve had the chance to travel in Mexico many times since 1999, but in 2014 I went to escape the real world for a while.
I promised myself not to take pictures on this trip, but before I left a friend gave me a 35mm slr camera. I found myself in a place where time stood still, and everything seemed stuck in a weird 1970’s vibe.
This is an excerpt of that trip.Prints were made afterwards and exhibited in a solo show; ‘Memoires’, 2015.
I’ve had the chance to travel in Mexico many times since 1999, but in 2014 I went to escape the real world for a while.
I promised myself not to take pictures on this trip, but before I left a friend gave me a 35mm slr camera. I found myself in a place where time stood still, and everything seemed stuck in a weird 1970’s vibe.
This is an excerpt of that trip.Prints were made afterwards and exhibited in a solo show; ‘Memoires’, 2015.
the other dubai
Escaping Asia during the COVID-19 era and making visa runs to 'open countries' landed me in Dubai. I spent most of my time in the hotel waiting for the consulates to process the papers. During my stay, I walked around areas where much of the workforce lived and saw a different part of Dubai, not just the Burj Khalifa.
Escaping Asia during the COVID-19 era and making visa runs to 'open countries' landed me in Dubai. I spent most of my time in the hotel waiting for the consulates to process the papers. During my stay, I walked around areas where much of the workforce lived and saw a different part of Dubai, not just the Burj Khalifa.
we bought a land
We bought 3 hectares of land in Arizona, U.S.A via EBAY (2013).
It’s on Antares Rd.
This was the first trip to visit our purchase (2014).
Shot on IPHONE 5C.
We bought 3 hectares of land in Arizona, U.S.A via EBAY (2013).
It’s on Antares Rd.
This was the first trip to visit our purchase (2014).
Shot on IPHONE 5C.
guatemala
Since 2023, I’ve been documenting the streets and people of Guatemala City. Who knows where this will lead—a book, perhaps, or a more in-depth project? This is just a taste of what my mind is up to. (2023–ongoing)
Since 2023, I’ve been documenting the streets and people of Guatemala City. Who knows where this will lead—a book, perhaps, or a more in-depth project? This is just a taste of what my mind is up to. (2023–ongoing)
street bencher
From Montreal to Miami, passing through Puerto Rico to Taiwan, I have been fortunate enough to witness some of the greatest writers of our era. These opportunities allowed me to immerse myself in the culture and eventually open my own gallery, Arcade Art Gallery.
From Montreal to Miami, passing through Puerto Rico to Taiwan, I have been fortunate enough to witness some of the greatest writers of our era. These opportunities allowed me to immerse myself in the culture and eventually open my own gallery, Arcade Art Gallery.
moving images
Since studying film arts at Altos de Chavón (2007), part of Parsons New School of Design program in the Dominican Republic, I have put my skills to use directing music videos, ads, and short documentaries.
Since studying film arts at Altos de Chavón (2007), part of Parsons New School of Design program in the Dominican Republic, I have put my skills to use directing music videos, ads, and short documentaries.
book of rules
The photos capture selfies with friends, strangers, or familiar faces at bars, clubs, and exhibition openings around Montréal. I wanted to keep a digital, unfiltered feel, so I took screenshots that included Photoshop’s window frame.
The photos capture selfies with friends, strangers, or familiar faces at bars, clubs, and exhibition openings around Montréal. I wanted to keep a digital, unfiltered feel, so I took screenshots that included Photoshop’s window frame.
hard drive
A Tumblr-era style blog, posting pictures taken over time with no explanation. Updated from time to time and shown in random order.
A Tumblr-era style blog, posting pictures taken over time with no explanation. Updated from time to time and shown in random order.
