BIOGRAPHY
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Born in Philadelphia, Alfred Ortega studied painting and sculpture at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Ortega’s work is currently represented by the Atlantic Gallery, Nantucket; David David Gallery, Palm Gardens, Florida; Millésimé, Philadelphia; and CSM Art, New Jersey. Ortega has exhibited at the Woodmere Museum and Knapp Gallery in Philadelphia. The artist’s work is represented in the permanent collection of the Pennsylvania State Museum and in private collections. Noted for his bold use of color, Ortega’s paintings and oil prints emanate primal energy. His prominent, large canvases reveal a dynamic world populated with vibrant forms and figures barely contained within their frames. A master monoprint maker, Ortega’s vivid oil prints of abstracts, figures and portraits are animated by an unabashed freedom of form and color and a daring love of life. |
ABOUT THE PROCESS
The foundation for my work in painting and sculpture is a feeling of awe and inspiration when I look out upon nature and all of creation. After study of the paintings found in the Chauvet caves of France and Borneo approximately forty thousand years ago, it appears that creativity is unbounded by space and time and beyond words. I have found that creativity is also volatile and audacious. Being aware that composing a work of art is a response to the world and in expressing that, a communique to others, I begin the workday inspired. Initially using large brushes and buckets of color to apply sweeping strokes to the canvas with movement, the process begins in a state of humble anticipation and enjoyment, I like to paint, I like to build. In reaction to the primary application, the process of applying paint or building becomes more intuitive than intellectual and truthfulness sets in. Now the piece itself gives direction to what it needs further. With ego set aside, present to the moment, decisions on what to add or take away from the work become natural and easy. Conscious awareness becomes a guide to continue. As the finished piece comes into view, the work of relationships of color and form feel resolved, complete and whole, ready to be shared with others. The process and the completed work is both an homage to creation and a communication to the viewer. The practice provides both fulfillment in work, finding freedom in the doing and a pathway of discovery for the self. In gratitude for the craft, learnedness and our beautiful world. |
RESUME
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EDUCATION
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine
Arts Philadelphia PA
Certificate Awarded Franklin Watkins Grant Independent Museum Study
Musee du Louvre Musee d
Orsay Musee Mailol Paris France
Rijks
Museum Van Gogh Museum
Amsterdam Holland
Prado
Museum Madrid Spain Tate
Gallery London England
West Chester University West
Chester PA Philosophy
EXHIBITIONS
2023
Look Listen Gallery, Faces and Such, Group Exhibit
Philadelphia PA
Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts Fellowship, Rosemont College, Group Exhibit
Rosemont PA
Da Vinci Art Alliance, In Search of Something More, Group Exhibit
Philadelphia PA
2022
David David Gallery
Palm Gardens FL
2020
Atlantic Gallery
Nantucket MA
Ligne Roset Gallery
New York, NY
Millésimé
Philadelphia PA
Sofitel Hotel
Philadelphia PA
2019-2016
Atlantic Gallery
Nantucket MA
Ligne Roset Gallery
New York, NY
Millésimé
Philadelphia PA
2015-2013
Atlantic Gallery
Nantucket MA
Chestnut Hill Gallery
Philadelphia PA
Artist’s House Gallery
Philadelphia PA
2012-2011
Atlantic Gallery
Nantucket MA
Chestnut Hill Gallery
Philadelphia PA
Ligne Roset Gallery
Philadelphia PA
Knapp Gallery
Philadelphia PA
2010
Galeria Paspartu
Barcelona Spain
Ligne Roset Gallery Miami
FL
2008-07 Twenty Two Gallery Philadelphia
PA
2005
Marchesani Gallery Drexel Hill
PA
1998-97
Raab Gallery Philadelphia PA
1992
Rosenfeld Gallery Philadelphia
PA
1987
Kerby Lane Gallery Austin
TX
1985-84
Giannetta Gallery Philadelphia
PA
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
Woodmere Art Museum Philadelphia
PA
Millersville University
Millersville PA
Pennsylvania State Museum
Harrisburg PA
Susquehanna Museum
Susquehanna PA
Gallery D Este New York
NY
Pennsylvania Academy Museum
Philadelphia PA
COLLECTIONS
Pennsylvania State Museum
Harrisburg PA
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