In the illustrated universe of Montserrat Turqueza, multicolored flowers and animals, women with long purple hair that wear traditional textiles, baskets full of fruits and vegetables from the market, corn leaves, trees, and various plants, mountains, and stars, many stars, all coexist. Her work is a collection of symbols native to her homeland, Oaxaca. Her canvases are filled with textures and patterns, deep purples, soft lilacs, bright turquoise, and pinks. The contrasting colors that bring her illustrations to life also narrate stories of deep emotions and the artist’s rich cultural heritage.
“Lately, I’ve been thinking about what led me to create my illustrations,” says the artist. “I’ve been working on it for about ten years, but at first, my illustrations were always very vague and commercial. I never focused on very personal subjects.
It wasn’t until I experienced a great loss, losing one of my babies, that I drew from that pain to make it more personal. The only way I started to come out of my grief was by drawing and projecting what I felt at that moment. I learned to manage my emotions, process them, and turn them into beautiful and digestible illustrations while also realizing that I was not the only one going through such a situation. The root of my project began there and drawing is what makes me happy, what makes me feel calm.”
“Invisible” (left) and “Cuidar de ti” (right). Illustrations by Montserrat Turqueza
Through her illustrations, Montserrat shares her grief and healing process in a colorful and meaningful way, one that resonates with many more people. This sincerity has become the hallmark of her work which constantly depicts elements of her surroundings and daily life. Her own identity is deeply rooted in Oaxaca. Her mother, originally from Etla, instilled in her from a young age a strong sense of belonging and connection to her cultural heritage.
Through family stories and legends, Montserrat learned to value her roots and understand the complexities of her history, which she proudly transmits to her family to continue its legacy. “It’s important for me that my daughters learn where they come from and who we are without idealizing anything. That’s why it’s essential to observe. I like to go to the market and keep a record of what the plants, the women, their features, and skin tones are like.”
“Soy la autonomía y la resistencia” (left), “Ciclo” (middle) and “Hierba de conejo” (right). Illustrations by Montserrat Turqueza
The female figure is central in Montserrat’s illustrations, inspired by the constant presence of the women in her life: mothers, aunts, daughters, and, of course, herself. But beyond reproducing beauty standards that are far from her reality, she’s an observer of the traits of her own community. The faces, skin tones, and clothes are portrayed in a natural way in the women she paints.
In Montserrat’s illustrations, Oaxacan women are masters, goddesses in their respective fields, and her work pays homage to their beauty and strength
Moreover, in a region where artistic circles are dominated by men, Montserrat seeks to give visibility and representation to women through her art. Her illustrations celebrate Oaxacan women in fundamental roles, such as cooks and textile artists, who often do not receive the recognition they deserve. For Montserrat, these women are masters, almost goddesses in their respective fields, and her illustrations pay homage to their beauty and strength.
“Mi lienzo es tan infinito como el firmamento que cubre el cielo” (left), “Hilos y flores” (middle) and “Astros” (right). Illustrations by Montserrat Turqueza
One of her most beloved works, Maíz, is a tribute to the women working in the Central de Abastos, where the diverse communities of Oaxaca converge. In this illustration, Montserrat depicts a woman with a rebozo de bolita—commonly used by most women—holding multicolored corn and surrounded by squash blossoms, chilacayota, and squash vines. This homage highlights not only their aesthetic beauty but also the resilience and effort of these women, capturing in detail the essence of their lives and work.
“Maíz” Illustration by Montserrat Turqueza. Close-ups and photo courtesy of Montserrat Turqueza
“I like having this opportunity to project what I see in my illustrations and emotionally immerse myself completely in my work. When I do commissions for other people or brands, I detach myself completely, trying not to involve my emotions in them because what I feel is very valuable to me, and I can’t sell or give it away. I can offer my talent but not my emotions. I keep them for myself and for the important projects here in my locality. Creating always goes hand in hand with emotion.”
The use of purple is a constant in her work. This color, which she has made her own, symbolizes tranquility and feminine strength. Montserrat has experimented with different color palettes, but purple has been the core of all of them. It’s a color she plays with in its various shades, from the darkest—thus avoiding black, which she has banned from her palette—to the softest, almost pinkish lilacs. Even beyond the canvas, Montserrat uses purple and its different shades in her everyday wardrobe. “Now people are surprised when they don’t see me in purple. I’ve stuck with it. It’s a very noble color, and I like it very much.”
Purple, a constant in her work, symbolizes tranquility and feminine strength
“La china” Illustration by Montserrat Turqueza. Photo courtesy of Montserrat Turqueza
Her daily life as an independent artist continuously intertwines her family and work. Along with her husband, who is also a designer, Montserrat has created an illustration project that has grown significantly in recent years. The pandemic allowed them to connect through social media with a broader audience, consolidating their presence on Instagram and other digital platforms.
Still, they seek to foster closer relationships, which is why they open their workshop for visits. “It’s well known that here in Oaxaca, we love to party, share, and be good hosts. One of the pillars of the project is to have a friendly relationship with our clients and the people we meet. We like to break that barrier that exists on social media, and we love it when people come to our workshop. It makes us very happy because we want them to find a lot of kindness and warmth with us.”
If you’re traveling to Oaxaca and would like to visit Montserrat Turqueza’s workshop, contact her through her IG @monturqueza and make an appointment!
Today, Montserrat manages her workshop and home, and together with a team of women who support her daily, she creates an environment where art and family life coexist harmoniously. Despite the challenges, Montserrat finds constant inspiration and motivation in her daily routine and surroundings.
“I want to keep learning from everyone I meet and die painting. I wish to paint and paint next to my husband, to be together and work together because we enjoy it very much; growing old painting.” And although much of her work is done digitally—given the demand and speed her clientele requires—Montserrat constantly yearns to do more traditional painting. It is her favorite medium, where she connects with her emotions and keeps her creativity sincere.
Illustrated photo by Montserrat Turqueza / Close-up of “Ancestras” Illustration by Montserrat Turqueza
Through her illustrations, art can be appreciated as a powerful tool that, on the one hand, pays homage to the beauty of Oaxacan culture and, on the other, provides a space for personal stories and deeper emotions. Her work has a captivating aesthetic, from the smallest details to the recurring symbolisms that express her love for Oaxaca. Birds, women, flowers, and every element of her illustrations bring to life a place where emotions and stories are beautifully tinged with purple.
For those visiting Oaxaca, Montserrat recommends experiencing the authenticity and richness of its culture, from trying traditional drinks like tejate and agua de chilacayota to exploring the markets and appreciating local textiles.
Also, and since falling in love with a textile is practically inevitable, Montserrat suggests paying particular attention to the origin of these textiles and preferably buying directly from the textile master. She advocates for conscious tourism that not only enjoys the beauty of Oaxaca but also recognizes and respects the complexities and challenges the community faces.
A version of this article appears in print, in Issue 3 of Álula Magazine with the headline: “Art, Emotion, and Purple Hues: The Illustrations of Montserrat Turqueza”.