The jaguar’s journey through time and space
In the mystical realm of Mesoamerican folklore, where Anna Ortiz delves, the jaguar is a shape-shifting creature known as a nagual. This powerful being navigates between realms, serving as a guide through uncharted territories. Artist Ortiz finds the jaguar a fitting symbol for her exploration of mythic borderlands.
Drawing from her Mexican-American roots, Ortiz transforms remote landscapes with a limited yet striking color palette. Her work features jungle scenes painted in hues of blues, greens, and pinks, creating an atmosphere that is both ethereal and grounded in myth.
Shapeshifting in the borderlands
In her latest series, “Shapeshifter,” Anna Ortiz examines the complexities of the borderlands where time and space seem to merge. Volcanic eruptions, twin moons, and reflective water surfaces populate this surreal world, suggesting a place where multiple realities intersect and constant change prevails.
For more dreamlike and mythical worlds, explore Paco Pomet’s celestial exploration, where sun and moon fuel artistic wonder.
Ortiz’s art resonates with the writings of feminist author Gloria Anzaldúa. Her concepts of mixed heritage, the borderland, and the nagual are mirrored in Ortiz’s paintings. Anzaldúa’s essay, “The New Mestiza Nation,” emphasizes identity as a fluid, ever-evolving construct, captured poetically in Ortiz’s work.
Anna Ortiz Explores the Surreal and the Real
Ortiz’s “Shapeshifter” is exhibited at Chart Gallery in Tribeca through October 31. As she investigates the theme of identity and transformation, her work invites viewers to navigate these mystic realms alongside her. Discover more of her compelling art on her website and Instagram.
An excerpt from Anzaldúa:
“Certain aspects of identity don’t disappear, aren’t assimilated or repressed when they are not in the foreground. Identity is a changing cluster of components and a shape-shifting activity. To refer to a person who is changing identity I use the Náhuatl term nagual… We shift around to do the work we have to do, to create the identities we need to live up to our potential.”
Anna Ortiz investigates these concepts through “Shapeshifter,” which is exhibited at Chart Gallery in Tribeca through October 31. Discover more of her compelling art on her website and Instagram.
Source: thisiscolossal.com
Frequently asked questions
Who is Anna Ortiz inspired by in her artwork?
Anna Ortiz’s art resonates with the writings of feminist author Gloria Anzaldúa, particularly her concepts of mixed heritage, the borderland, and the nagual.
What themes does Anna Ortiz explore in her series ‘Shapeshifter’?
Anna Ortiz examines the complexities of the borderlands where time and space seem to merge, with themes of identity and transformation.
Where and until when is ‘Shapeshifter’ exhibited?
Ortiz’s ‘Shapeshifter’ is exhibited at Chart Gallery in Tribeca through October 31.