Anna Ortiz is a Mexican-American artist with deeply rooted interests in landscape and mythologies. She paints surrealist spaces that act as portals for storytelling, often about Mexican culture and memory. Ortiz has exhibited in many art fairs, including Untitled in Miami. This year she is visiting Miami as a viewer, and reflects here on her advice for navigating Miami Art Week and what she is most looking forward to. Her most recent work will be on view this Spring at Steven Zevitas gallery in Boston. Anna Ortiz lives and works in Brooklyn and is the visiting McMillan/Stewart Endowed Chair of Painting at Maryland Institute College of Art this year.
48 x 72 in
Conversation between Amy Boone-McCreesh and Anna Ortiz
Amy: Can you describe the work that you do as an artist? What is at the heart of your paintings?
Anna: I make surrealist landscape paintings that refer to the dual nature of my Mexican-American identity. I’m interested in depicting a borderland where memory, imagination, and story telling build ideas of belonging.
A: Is there any research or specific references you are using in the studio right now?
AO: I’ve been researching mesoamerican mythology and statuary for inspiration in my work. These days, I’m really interested in the ancient Olmecs and their cult of the jaguar. They believed that because of its nocturnal nature, the jaguar could lead people or deities into the underworld. Jaguars acted as guides to cross the barriers of life and death.
A: You’ve spent formative years and live in the Northeastern United States but have also spent much of your life in Mexico, with your family. How does location or environment influence your work?
AO: Location is really central to the themes of loss and a search for belonging. Growing up regularly visiting my Mexican side set me up to feel deeply connected to the place. When I was no longer able to visit, because of complicated family dynamics I lost a part of myself. Returning as an adult was revelatory. It unleashed memories and so much inspiration that have since manifested in the paintings.
A: Have you shown your work in an art fair setting before? Does context affect how your work might be understood?
AO: I’ve shown in several fairs, including Untitled Miami 2024 and 2023. I’d say that level of exposure is a gift. While it may be hard to convey the larger context of the work at a fair, so many people seeing the work is exceptional. Being able to show in tandem with so many incredible artists is unbelievably gratifying. Not all artists see it that way, but I really love the fairs.
A: You are attending Miami Art Week this year, what are you looking forward to?
AO: Of course I can’t wait to get to Basel to see so many of my heroes’ work. It’s overwhelming but also exhilarating. I’m also really excited to see Asif Hoque at Mindy Solomon gallery and Lizzie Gill at Baker Hall. I already wish I had more time!
A: What is your advice for anyone attending for the first time?
AO: Minimize crossing the bridges as much as you can. The traffic will ruin your experience if you don’t plan accordingly.
A: Where can we see your work in the future? Do you have any exhibitions on your schedule
AO: I’m very excited to be preparing for a solo show at Steven Zevitas in March. Boston is a long way from Miami, but it’s all the same ecosystem in the end!
