A L F R E D    O R T E G A

BIOGRAPHY




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.


Process and Intention



My practice in the workshop begins with meditation to provide a sense of quiet mind and enthusiasm. Approach has its own principle and presence has its own substance and both are integral and consequential to embrace blank canvas or sculpture. A clear attitude of openness to the unknown is available.

A foundation of respect for the materials and craftsmanship is foremost as the practice evolves and work comes underway.

The initial application of shapes, color and composition are laid down. In that moment response takes place and the process enters an array of decisions based on intuition. Presence to the work then, is all.

A freedom arises in the doing, as choices with overlay of color and form will be made with liberty of all possibilities. The abstracts and figurative work do not attempt to represent nature but rather to convey an essence of their own visceral reality. My intention immersed in creative experience is to arrive at a harmony and truth of work and provide a vehicle of communication. Motivation includes space, gravity, action, light and time, universal properties that coalesce to supply the energy to begin with conviction and continue the process with focus.

As the work nears resolution it has become a collection of layered moments in time laden with emotion and spirit. Now as final nuances become certain, clarity and prudence of touch is imperative, yet these consummate strokes resonate all that is there, forming a conclusive work.

While the work develops, hours or days may pass, but at some point in time acceptance occupies the mind, a sense of gratitude and fulfilment pervades, and a final thought occurs, the experience has drawn to a close, a portion of the mystery is revealed and the work is whole and complete, let it be.


RESUME


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
CSM Art    Chatham NJ
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
CSM Art    Chatham NJ
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