Oscar Montes, known by his artistic moniker Trek6, is a Puerto Rican-born artist whose work embodies a dynamic collision of cultural heritage, urban aesthetics, and abstract experimentation. Currently based in Marshall, North Carolina, Trek6 has crafted a diverse body of work spanning over three decades. His creations blend history, mysticism, and modern sensibilities, allowing him to seamlessly navigate between traditional fine art and the rebellious world of graffiti culture.
A Journey Through Time and Place
Born in Puerto Rico, Trek6’s journey as an artist has been shaped by his deep-rooted connection to his heritage. His work is a continuous exploration of the intersection between his Afro-Puerto Rican roots, urban life, and the cultural vibrancy of the places he’s lived. Raised in Miami’s graffiti scene, Trek6 learned to move through the world of art with a different set of rules—one that was not defined by traditional academic structures but rather by street wisdom, cultural relevance, and the freedom of expression.
Despite his graffiti roots, Trek6 is formally trained, giving him a unique duality in his approach to art. The collision between the traditional techniques he mastered and the rebellious, raw energy of street art defines his work in a way few contemporary artists can replicate. His art is an experiment in resonance—an alchemy of color, line, and rhythm that speaks to both the individual and the collective experience.
The Power of Color, Rhythm, and Line
Trek6’s work is both chaotic and harmonious, a beautiful tension between seemingly disparate elements. He utilizes color as a medium for emotional and cultural resonance, with vibrant palettes that reflect both the warmth of the Caribbean and the intensity of urban landscapes. His lines, often jagged or fragmented, clash and clash again against bold patterns of color, creating compositions that pulse with energy and movement. These works are not static; they vibrate with a sense of life that demands engagement from the viewer.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Trek6’s art is his exploration of iconography—whether historical, indigenous, or regionally significant. His work frequently incorporates symbols and references that speak to the complex identity of the Puerto Rican people. These are not simply nostalgic images; they are living, breathing symbols that carry the weight of both past and present. His portrayals of figures like the Jibaro (the traditional Puerto Rican farmer) are often contemporary reimaginings, where cultural motifs are transformed to resonate with today’s world.
“Bien Mangao” and the Concept of Mancha de Platano
A prime example of Trek6’s approach to blending the past and present is his painting titled Bien Mangao, part of the Mancha de Platano series. The title itself is a Puerto Rican saying that captures the essence of the island’s culture, one that stubbornly clings to its roots even as it evolves in the face of modernity. The phrase refers to the “stain” or mark that all Puerto Ricans carry—a characteristic that remains, no matter how much the culture or the individual changes.
In Bien Mangao, the central figure is a Jibaro, depicted as a traditional farmer working the sugar cane fields of Puerto Rico. However, Trek6’s interpretation modernizes this figure, turning the Jibaro into a contemporary icon with subtle yet significant updates—such as the gold chain around his neck. This is not a relic of the past but a living symbol of Puerto Rican identity in the present day, infused with the energy of both the old and new.
The speaker in the painting, a recurring motif in Trek6’s work, symbolizes an outlet for vibration—a conduit through which the cultural vibrations of the past and present are projected. It’s not just sound; it’s the resonant force of heritage, a reflection of how our history continually shapes our present.
The Spiritual and Cosmic Language of Trek6
Trek6’s artistic philosophy can best be summed up in his own words: “I’ve created this cosmic slop where mysticism, Afro/Puerto Rican culture, and urban life can sit together in unison.” This phrase encapsulates his approach to art—a space where disparate influences blend seamlessly, creating a cohesive yet fluid narrative. For Trek6, the line between mysticism, urban culture, and his Afro-Puerto Rican roots is not a boundary but a bridge that allows him to explore and create freely.
His work exists in a visual language that is uniquely his own—a loose, organic syntax that’s simultaneously abstract and accessible. It’s this fluidity that allows him to push boundaries while remaining deeply connected to his heritage. His art is a conversation, not just with the viewer but with history, with the city streets, with the ancestors whose spirits resonate in his work.
The Silent Movement of a Bboy Artist
Over the years, he has built a body of work that speaks volumes without needing to shout. His journey through various cities and cultures has allowed him to accumulate experiences and insights, all of which inform his ever-evolving artistic voice. What makes Trek6 stand out is his ability to remain ahead of his time while staying true to his own unique artistic thumbprint. He has always moved forward, not in leaps, but in thoughtful, deliberate steps.
In a world where trends come and go, Trek6’s work remains relevant—an enduring testament to the power of cultural resonance, creative freedom, and the quiet confidence of an artist who knows his own path. Whether through the mysticism of his abstract compositions or the vibrancy of his Puerto Rican-inspired pieces, Trek6’s art is a celebration of identity, movement, and the art of seeing the world through a different lens.
