Christian Ortiz

“With every action, a memory of my involvement is recorded and a trace of my existence is left on the surface of the fabric.”-C. Ortiz

IMPRESSIONS

CHRISTIAN ORTIZ
This exhibition explores the concept of impression:  impressions that have developed in the study of an art form and impressions that have allowed me to create a visual language that speaks of my experiences. I investigate notions of what it means to be a Mexican artist implementing the traditional Japanese art of shape-resist dying called shibori. 
In my work, I transform the flat surface of fabric into dimensional forms. I create an idiom through patterns and textures that explores concepts of identity. These patterns and textures become impressions on the surface of the fabric which, in turn, become records of my experience with the cloth. The process of stitching more than 100 lines of thread across the length of fabric, or of repetitively wrapping, tying, dying, and re-wrapping the cloth becomes a ritual experience. With every action, a memory of my involvement is recorded and a trace of my existence is left on the surface of the fabric.
I am interested in how the language I’ve created will transcend the work, and how the work will function as a tool of communication. Will the meaning of the work transform upon your interaction with it? What impressions will the work have on you? How will your personal experiences impress upon the work?

Christian Ortiz: Impressions
Large scale fiber art installations
Exhibition Opening Friday, March 28, 2008 5-7pm @ Marwen
Exhibition runs March 28-April 25, 2008
Call 312.944.2418 x206 or email for details or to make an appointment.