Damian Ortega and Krzysztof Wodiczko

Damian Ortega: Cosmic Thing
One of the visiting artists that I worked closely with at the School of Visual Arts in New York City this summer commented that I had these unique and refined skills but they would be made much more powerful if I used them in a more deliberate and mindful way. I knew exactly what he meant. Sometimes less is more. The "ideas" that inspire art and the processes used to create work, are often more important than the end result.

I attended two exhibits at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston on Nov. 6th with colleagues and fellow Geraldine Dodge recipients, that were outwardly "simple" in their presentation but incredibly complex in terms of thought and purpose. The work of conceptual artists, Damian Ortega and Krzysztof Wodiczko, were commanding, in very distinctive ways.

Mexican born, Damian Ortega, included video, sculpture,photography, installation and graphic work in this exhibition. Entitled "Do It Yourself", Ortega presents everyday objects in whimsical and imaginative "states" of being.Seemingly mundane forms have been dissected, manipulated, arranged and re-arranged in ways that make the observer take notice. "In Ortega’s work, objects are never allowed to rest—they are pulled apart, suspended, or rearranged, calling attention to the dynamism of the world around us and the hidden poetry in the everyday." I found Ortega's exhibit amusing and thought provoking. It left me smiling and contemplating the essence and purpose of the simplest of forms.

The second exhibit, featured the installation by Polish artist, Krzysztof Wodiczko's : OUT OF HERE: the Veterans Project. This projection based work, which fused audio and video, documented mere moments of the destruction of war in Iraq.In "the Veterans Project, the routine sounds of life are interrupted by the noise of destruction and chaos as Wodiczko’s narrative unfolds across three walls of the gallery." The installation was eerily simple in its presentation, but powerfully moving as it captured the psychological, physical and emotional devastation of war. Standing within the room of the exhibit, I was able to experience the gravity and horror of the situation. It left me feeling unsettled and helpless but appreciative and reflective.

The work of artists, Damian Ortega and Krzysztof Wodiczko are provocative,intelligent, mindful and deliberate. A visit to the Boston ICA,is well worth the trip. For me, as an artist, it inspired me to consider more fully, every aspect of my work. I will dissect, manipulate, arrange and rearrange:) and attend to my process and my passions with greater care.

For more information click on the ICA site:
http://www.icaboston.org/