Born in Philadelphia, Alfred Ortega studied painting and sculpture at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Currently represented by the Atlantic Gallery, Nantucket, RI and the Knapp Gallery, Philadelphia, PA, Ortega's work has been exhibited at both the Woodmere Museum and Twenty-two Gallery in Philadelphia, PA. Represented in the permanent collection of the Pennsylvania State Museum and in private collections throughout the Northeastern corridor, Ortega's tenure is not without acclaim.
Known for his bold use of color, Ortega's paintings and oil prints emanate primal energy. His prominent, large canvasses reveal a dynamic world populated with vibrant forms and figures barely contained within their frames. A master mono-print maker, Ortega's vivid oil prints of figures, landscapes, and portraits are animated by an unabashed freedom of form and color and a daring love of life.
“Standing in the unknowing is new for me. It has impacted the work and affords me a willingness to grow and change through the work and an acceptance and appreciation of all that is. Inspiration to work comes from both outside and inside of myself.
I now know, that I am not in control and when I surrender to that notion, the block of wood, clay and stone or the blank canvas grows and develops a life and truth of its own with more depth and beauty than would be possible had I not let go completely. This process propels me ever deeper into the present where I must become comfortable with uncertainty, make a mark and respond to it and go into action with faith, enjoy the process awake, in awe of it all.
And in doing so learn to live and feel more fully and work more authentically without my old thorn friend fear. It's exciting, magical and full of wonder. When it works, transformation and fulfillment take place and I feel that I have done my best, accountable. ”
Alfred Ortega