Lester Monzon builds layers of graphite, acrylic and oil paints on top of a polished layer of gesso over Belgian linen.  Through an intricate progression of building graph-like patterns and multi-colored gestures of paint, Monzon creates conditions for their erasure, loss, and failure.  The graphs in his paintings denote organization, a pre-determined system or order which call to mind data or rules. Monzon says, “The graph is something that’s in order. You fall in line, you fall in line with everything, everything has their place, and everyone pays taxes.” Until they don’t. Recognizing this void, Monzon ultimately seeks to liberate the estrangements of pattern and brushwork, opposing ideologies and spatial separations. 

Lester Monzon (b. 1973, Brooklyn, NY) received his B.F.A. from Art Center College of Design, Pasadena. His work has been exhibited at the Wignall Museum of Contemporary Art at Chaffey College, Rancho Cucamonga; Mark Moore Gallery, Los Angeles; Kinkead Contemporary, Los Angeles; Roberts & Tilton, Los Angeles in addition to shows in San Francisco and Chicago. His work has been covered and reviewed by the Los Angeles Times, Artforum, and Artillery. His work is included in the permanent collection of the Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego. Monzon lives and works in Los Angeles.