Esther Glina Montagner is an acclaimed American painter born in New York.

She is the daughter of Eastern European Jews that came to America to start a new life, after surviving the horrors of WW2. She was named after both her grandmothers and aunt (all of whom perished), and to honor them, she always signs her artwork “Glina” (maiden name), to keep their spirit alive. 

Her works are represented in several permanent Museum collections. In 2009 the Virginia Holocaust Museum installed “Those People” which is an installation of 36 original oils with painted and real suitcases, with all the names of her family members. It was her personal journey to reclaim their names so they would not be silent anymore.

This theme of storytelling, a time capsule of life’s events is foremost in all her work. Art has given her the language to express what she truly feels and believes, unfiltered. She has created a new visual voice with bold colors, intensity and textures.Glina has a total disregard for the “traditional stylistic progression,” and although wants to be heard, does not want to be herded into one signature style.That is why she is exploring abstraction and assemblages, and desires to do more large scale installations, where there is the freedom to try new ideas.

The Glina's moved from New York to S. California and settled in West Hollywood, (WEHO) where she grew up and majored in art. She has always been painting, a life long passion.

Her artistic ambition and life took an unexpected detour, when on a return trip to New York she was launched into an International modeling career with Wilhelmina Agency.This opportunity gave her access to extensive travel and to discover the world's cultures, sights, museums and artists, which kept her personal interest in art alive. " Art is pure emotion".

In 1980 while in Italy, she met her future husband and moved to Venice for a few years. As an artist, living in Venice was very inspiring and launched a very creative period.Her works were sold at the renowned Danieli Hotel and can be found in European & American collections, Museums, Corporations and Commercial venues.

In 2008 Glina's original oil painting titled: “Flight, Training Wheels and Wings” was installed in the Air & Space Museum in Balboa Park, San Diego permanent collection.This 22ft long oil painting is abstract images depicting the story of flight, to inspire the viewers own imagination to take flight.

Her use of deep hues and thick broad strokes represents life experiences of many cultures, all viewed thru an abstract spectrum. America was outside her front door, but inside was a home of old traditions, styles and languages which continues even today.This tapestry of lifestyles cannot be divided into separate threads, but together form what makes Glina’s art so compelling, with a strength of purpose that floods the senses..

                              As the world changes, so will Glina's art. Enjoy the Journey!