Monica Morales: From Textile Design to Abstract Color Fields

Monica Morales, born in Mexico City in 1972 into a family of architects and designers, has transitioned from a career in textile and fashion design to a full-time abstract painter. Her artistic journey began in childhood, surrounded by creative discussions and her father's painting practice. She studied Textile Design, which provided a foundation in color theory and composition, but it wasn't until 2014, after watching a video of a professional painter, that she committed to painting. Morales now works from her studio in Italy, where her Mexican heritage and European life influence her palette—vivid contrasts from Mexico and restrained, dusty tones from Europe. Her abstract works prioritize emotional resonance, with color as the primary subject, often avoiding pure black in favor of richly saturated darks. Influences include Mark Rothko, Helen Lundeberg, Helen Frankenthaler, Luis Barragán, and Frank Gehry. Notable works include 'Via della Spiga' from the Milano Città collection, inspired by a Milan street, and collections inspired by the Northern Lights and Greenland. She begins her studio practice with music, uses acrylics for their quick drying time, and sometimes starts digitally. Morales acknowledges the challenges for emerging artists and expresses gratitude for visibility opportunities. Her future work aims to explore invisible subjects like sound and meditation, translating inner experiences into color.