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.

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.

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia PA
Certificate Awarded, Franklin Watkins Grant

Independent Museum Study
Musée du Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, Musée Maillol, Paris France
Rijks Museum, Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam Holland
Prado Museum, Madrid Spain
Tate Gallery, London England

West Chester University, West Chester PA
Philosophy

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

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

Pennsylvania State Museum, Harrisburg PA