Heather Chontos, US

Born in New York in 1978, Chontos is the daughter of an antique collector and carpenter. From an early age, she was fascinated with the meaning of objects and forms.

Whether by restoration or construction, she began to understand the value of working with her hands. These early influences ultimately became a major driving force behind her academic and professional focus, studying art conservation and gaining experience in illustration, set design, prop making, and product styling.

The past and present play a vital role in Chontos’ work, holding equal significance as she creates. Moreover, her entire artistic approach is holistic, driven by the motivation to reflect her personal experience both internally and of the world around her. Her completed paintings present puzzle-like collages, varying in texture, weight, and tension. Together, organic shapes and lines coalesce in relation to each other and dance in asymmetrical harmony. Each canvas invites the viewer to investigate the composition and find their own narrative connections as they survey.

As an artist, Chontos’ work has taken her all over the world, from her first solo show in the UK, to Barcelona, Copenhagen, Berlin, New York, Los Angeles, and Italy, where she was the artist-in-residence at Palazzo Monti. Most recently, her journey has taken her to Marvão, Portugal, where she currently lives and works.