In Eye of the Beholder—a solo exhibition of the artist’s work on view at Arcadia Contemporary from November 7 through December 1—Ortega depicts the nostalgic 1950s suburban scenes that have shaped American society as we know it. But underneath the safety and comfort of the mundane moments he portrays, lies a sense of unease, challenging the general collective’s rosy retrospection of this era.
“I would describe myself as an artist who delves into the hidden narratives of suburban life,” says Ortega. “My paintings depict seemingly mundane suburban scenes, often set at night or dusk, which subtly evoke feelings of mystery, isolation and tension. Visually, my work is rooted in a muted, atmospheric palette that reinforces this sense of unease. With my art, I aim to explore the complexities of suburban life—its quiet isolation, unspoken tensions, and the sense of detachment that can linger beneath its surface.”
Steadfast in his opposition of the “American dream” of mid 20th-century ideals, Ortega challenges the merits of societal conformity and the nuclear family, calling out the contradictions and mounting pressures pervasive in that era of national identity. Zoning in on the carbon copy neighborhoods to the Baby Boomer generation, he breaks through their shiny facades, exposing the underlying fragility and isolation.
Denne historien er fra November 2024-utgaven av American Art Collector.
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Denne historien er fra November 2024-utgaven av American Art Collector.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
FULL EXPOSURE
Photographer Conor Martin documents the present using photographic methods of the past.
Autumnal Light
The landscapes and nature scenes of painter Jennifer Sowders are irresistibly tactile, filled with varying textures that seem to leap off the canvas.
Art for All
Members of Art Dealers Association of America come together for a philanthropic affair.
Modern Marketplace
Redwood Art Group brings together the San Diego region for another class-act celebration of contemporary artwork.
An Enchanting Evening
Scottsdale Artists’ School knows how to throw an art party.
Timeless Tales
Soft, warm undertones underscore the mood of enchantment that runs through Nom Kinnear King’s paintings.
Next Exit New York
Coming off his series that focused on San Francisco and Los Angeles freeway signs, artist Eric Nash’s sights are now set on New York. Now on view at George Billis Gallery's Manhattan location are seven of Nash's new oil paintings and two drawings that explore the signage of New York City freeways. Although Nash's work is tightly rendered, he doesn’t consider himself a photorealist, but rather someone who utilizes those techniques to express ideas.
Monster Mash
Vampires, witches, ghouls and all things that go bump in the night are the theme of the exhibition Monster Mash, now at Abend Gallery.
Inside/Outside
Those familiar with Geoffrey Johnson's populated by inky figures and trailing shadows that bleed into the wet streets, and architectural elements obscured to varying degrees by the misty atmosphere.
Bold Figures; Bold Color
For Brooklyn based painter J Louis, it’s all about balance, which can mean many different things in a composition, but for Louis, it’s about balancing his female figures among a unique landscape of color.