Oscar Montes, known in the art world as Trek6, is a Puerto Rican-born artist whose work blends urban aesthetics, cultural history, and abstract experimentation. Based in Marshall, North Carolina, he has spent over three decades shaping a unique artistic identity—one that moves seamlessly between the disciplined techniques of fine art and the unrestrained energy of graffiti. His work is a reflection of where he comes from, where he has been, and the histories that continue to shape him.
A Life Between Worlds
Trek6 was born in Puerto Rico but grew up in Miami, a city where graffiti was more than just an art form—it was a way of life. The streets became his first canvas, and hip-hop culture shaped his early understanding of artistic expression. Unlike traditional academic training, the graffiti world operated on different rules, built on respect, innovation, and the ability to make an impact in an environment that was constantly changing.
But unlike many street artists, Trek6 also pursued formal training, gaining the technical knowledge to refine his approach. This created a duality in his work—one that balances the raw, instinctive nature of graffiti with the precision of a formally trained painter. His art doesn’t just sit within one tradition; it actively moves between them, creating a visual language that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant.
Petroglyphs, Hip-Hop, and Reinventing History
Trek6’s work is rooted in storytelling. Whether through murals, mixed media, or digital pieces, he builds narratives that connect the past to the present. One of his most powerful projects was inspired by his participation in Coming Home, a documentary series hosted by DJ EFN of Drink Champs. The series explores how hip-hop has evolved in different countries, tracing its roots and cultural adaptations around the world.
While filming in Colombia, Trek6 became fascinated with indigenous and pre-Colombian art, particularly its use of color and intricate patterns. This led him to reimagine the indigenous art of his homeland, Puerto Rico, through a similar lens. He began experimenting with Taino petroglyphs—ancient carvings left behind by Puerto Rico’s first inhabitants—infusing them with bold colors and layered symbolism that echoed both tradition and modern expression.
One of his standout pieces from this exploration is Atabey, a tribute to the Taino mother goddess. In Taino mythology, Atabey represents creation and fertility, and Trek6 painted her with a moon cycle over her crown, symbolizing her connection to the cosmos. He added his signature speaker icons, representing the energy and vibration he feels when engaging with color, sound, and history. The result is a reimagining of an ancient symbol—one that honors its origins while giving it a new visual language.
Bridging the Past and the Future
Trek6’s work is defined by movement—between cultures, between time periods, between artistic disciplines. His murals can be found across various cities, bringing his unique blend of Afro-Caribbean heritage, hip-hop influence, and abstract storytelling to the streets. His smaller works continue to explore the same themes, using layered colors and mixed media to create pieces that feel both organic and electric.
His ability to navigate between worlds sets him apart. While some artists remain bound by tradition and others thrive on rebellion, Trek6 finds balance in both. His work speaks to those who understand the weight of history, as well as those who see the potential for reinvention.
For Trek6, art isn’t just about personal expression—it’s about resonance. Whether pulling from the past or pushing toward the future, his work is always in conversation with something larger. And in that space, between the old and the new, he continues to create.
