"Corazon y Vida" exhibition by Rick Ortega at Casa 0101

Exhibited at Casa 0101 in Boyle Heights, Rick Ortega's "Corazon y Vida" is one of the best exhibitions I have ever seen. Ortega proudly brings to life many breathtaking and inspiring scenes from Mexico's prehispanic and more recent past. Most of the paintings are concerned with the prehispanic past. There is a deep sense of spirituality in his work. I like his use of subdued yet warm colors.

"Tu Recuerdo y Yo" 

oil on wood

Tu Recuerdo y Yo or "Your Memory and I" reflects the past in a rural Mexican setting. There seems to be a strong silence in this painting evoked by the position of the woman's head. It is as if something was said that has both characters in a pensive trance. It seems to be a melancholy moment.

"Coatlicue/Mother of Earth 

Life and Death" 

oil and mixed media on wood

Coatlicue or "Serpent Skirt" was a major deity of the Aztec pantheon.

"La Maestra/Lady of Tula" 

oil on canvas

There is a sense of strength and heroism in this painting. There is also a sense of beauty which is derived from juxtaposing beautiful flowers with a woman that has indigenous features. Tula is one of the great cities of Mexico's prehispanic past. It would make sense for someone from Tula to be called "maestro/a" or teacher as the Aztec culture was predated by the Toltec culture from Tula. The Aztecs actually adopted many cultural elements from Tula.

"Xochitl" 

oil on canvas

Xochitl means "flower". The woman in this painting is a person of importance as she is not only a part of ritual but also someone that transmits culture. She is holding a sort of book in her hands which transmits written culture. Note the incense burning. Incense was and is and important part of prehispanic ritual.

"A Moment of Silence" 

oil on canvas

This woman is remembering those who have gone on into infinity without us. She is experiencing a spiritual moment during the Day of the Dead. There are cempasuchil flowers in the painting. These flowers bring life to altars during this festive moment.

"Curandera de la Madre Tierra" 

oil on canvas

Curandera de la Madre Tierra or "Healer of the Mother Earth" depicts the artists vision of the spiritual importance of women and all that they bring to our reality.

"Between Father Sky and Mother Earth" 

oil on canvas

In this painting we see the connection between Father Sky and Mother Earth.

"Chantico/Goddess of Fire" 

oil on canvas

Another scene where a woman plays a major role in ritual.

"Alma Espiritual" 

oil on canvas

Alma Espiritual or "Spiritual Soul" depicts the spiritual ties between femininity, nature's beauty and spirituality.

"The Fire Within" 

oil on canvas

The Fire Within shows us a mysterious and seductive woman.