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I left Colombia in 1998 as there was no prospect for forging a career as an artist. There were so many talented artists, but the violence and economic and political problems had left the country in crisis for years. Nonetheless, my choice to emigrate to the United States to pursue a living there as an artist was very challenging because it took a long time to adjust and adapt to new cultural rules and social norms. The adversity, however, helped me grow as an artist and individual. It changed my vision of life, and I learned tough lessons about my family and friends. Most importantly, however, I learned how to open my mind to the cultural differences associated with living in a more diverse environment which in turn influenced my art and the places and spaces I then chose to explore.

While this is my fourth time in the UAE, it is my longest stay and the first time I have really gotten to know the country and its people. The length of time I have spent in Ras Al Khaimah and the diversity of people I have met has introduced me to a part of the country that can only be found beneath the surface that tourists experience. And like my move from Colombia to the United States, the move has also been a culture shock.

Jumping out of your comfort zone is always challenging and is even more so during a pandemic. Despite that, the overwhelming feeling is how lucky and blessed I am to be the Foundation's inaugural Artist-in-Residence. I and thankful and relieved for this opportunity. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined that 30 years after my first exhibition in Torremolinos in Medellin, Colombia, I would be on the other side of the world doing what I loved with the support of HH Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi. Reality has surpassed my childhood dreams of an artistic career, and after so many years of struggle, now I can say it was all worth it.

The cultural lessons have been the most rewarding part of my residency. I have been struck by the diversity of nationality, religion, and ways of life in the UAE and how they all come together to build a future. It is extraordinary how many different ethnicities I get to share meals and conversations with over lunch. I have been particularly inspired by the relationship the Emirati people have with their past and future. Even as they look to the future with hope, aspiration, and ambition, they preserve their traditions with respect and reverence.

I believe the most significant asset a country has is its people, and I have had the opportunity to meet so many unforgettable characters, such as Ino "The Milk Mother." I have come to admire their journeys and, in turn, have been inspired to share their story through my artworks. Most importantly, I have come to call these people friends and create memories that I will cherish and that will inspire my art long after I return to the United States.

One highlight from my time in Ras Al Khaimah was the invitation I received from an Emirati family to share a traditional dinner with them. I was overwhelmed by their generous welcoming and hospitality, and it highlighted a crucial difference in the way we interact with people who are different from us.

I also visited the Khawatir desert tribe and was generously trained in the art of falconry with ambassadors from Chile, the Dominican Republic, and Panama. I took long walks along the Cornish, visiting the local cafes and restaurants, immersing myself in the day-to-day life of Ras Al Khaimah. I enjoyed the beautiful beaches of Al Marjan Island and had the chance to meet Kamel-Ushi, a German lady that lives in the middle of the desert with her camels. My most daring adventure was riding the longest zip line in the world on Jebel Jais, a significant victory for me considering my paralyzing fear of heights. I had numerous new experiences that made me question my worldview, but each one encouraged me to grow in my art and as a person, and I will cherish these memories for the rest of my life.

Art plays an essential role in societal development because it helps shape its identity and vision. As artists, we reflect on the brief moment in which we live, looking for ways to encapsulate the emotions and feelings of what it was like to live in this time. We are storytellers with unique, authentic voices, each with a critical role in providing the whole story. Artists need to ask themselves questions about why we do what we do, what makes our work valuable, why it matters, what message we want to tell with our work, and what makes us different from other artists doing the same subject or technique. Artists shape society by asking these questions to themselves and humanity, and it is through these questions that society grows and develops. My experience in Ras Al Khaimah and the UAE has taught me invaluable lessons, answered many previously unanswerable questions, and raised even more questions. I am excited to take this cultural experience back to the United States so I can share my reflections and the story of the UAE though my work and make society that little bit better.

Thanks to RAKFAF and the Foundation's residency program, I have realized the potential of my artworks to communicate with an audience and found new and exciting ways to approach my subjects. My art has more purpose, intention, and ambition. It takes time and many diverse experiences to develop the creative process, but an artist must also remain authentic and honest to our story. Expanding my experiences through the residency has developed my artistic craft and world vision. After all, art is a part of me; it is how we see the world. I will always be grateful for the opportunity that the Foundation has given me. The life of an artist is full of challenges and to find support from a non-profit organization is a blessing. I am sure our relationship will continue to grow and develop.

Leonardo Montoya was the Foundation's inaugural Artist-in-Residence. He is a Colombian-American mixed-media artist based in Florida, USA.

Ethan David Lee is the Al Qasimi Foundation's Communications Specialist. In his role, he is responsible for writing and editing the Foundation’s English language content, managing the publication of its research and outputs, and overseeing audience experience and external relations for the Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival. Before joining the Foundation, Ethan worked as the Marketing Assistant for the Arts Center at NYUAD. He holds a Theater BA and a Film & New Media BA from New York University Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. During his undergraduate studies, Ethan studied in Abu Dhabi, New York, and Sydney where he helped develop various short films and worked on staged productions as a writer, director, stage manager, and producer. He is the Managing and Co-Creative Director of Exit 11 Performing Arts Company.