Michael S. Ortiz- Concrete Thinking: abstract ideas in heavy form

Concrete Thinking: abstract ideas in heavy form

Michael S. Ortiz

Opening: September 5th, 5-9pm

in The Sluice

Artist Talk: September 11th, 5:30pm

On display through September 26th

SEE THE COLLECTION

About the exhibit:

The works speak in fragments — of possession, of place, of expression — drawing on the idea that we “have” emotion, memory, rebellion. Through layers, drips, deconstructions, and reassemblies, graffiti is stripped of literalism and rebuilt as abstract energy: an idea given form without needing translation.

About the artist:

Michael graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2014 with a Bachelor
of Fine Arts with a concentration in painting. Michael started as a full-time professional
artist working out of his studio in San Antonio. In 2023, Michael relocated his studio to
Colorado Springs, Colorado. He enjoys a bright and bold color pallet with a unique
approach to traditional subject matter. His goal while producing each piece is to have
fun and let loose. By using a variety of tools he is able to allow his inner child
freedom on the canvas. The energetic mark making is the most fun and expressive
approach to the painting process. His enjoyment of paint manipulation and involvement
in all the processes allows him to translate loose brushwork and energetic mark making
into fresh and new juxtaposed worlds. He loves the built-up layers on a canvas like on
the exterior walls of buildings. The story on the canvas has so much more to it than
meets the eye.