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Alchemy of Womanhood

Solo Show: Patricia Ortiz
 

October 6 -12, 2024

10 AM - 6 PM 

48 Chalcot Road, London, NW1 8LS

Exhibition Catalogue_Patricia Ortiz_Alchemy of Womanhood.pdf

The Nomad Salon is pleased to present Alchemy of Womanhood, an exhibition of new paintings by Patricia Ortiz, on view from October 6 through October 12, 2024, with an opening reception on Saturday, October 5, from 5 pm to 8 pm at the gallery's pop-up space, 48 Chalcot Road, London, UK NW1 8LS. The pop-up will be open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. This is Ortiz's debut solo exhibition in the UK. 

 

Patricia Ortiz's work is a journey of self-exploration, an alchemical process through which personal experiences of womanhood, motherhood, and mental health are transformed into vivid, universal narratives. In this body of work, Ortiz uses her image to delve into the multiplicity of the female experience, capturing both the emotional intensity and fragility of navigating life as a modern woman. Her paintings occupy a space of quiet transformation—where intimate moments of vulnerability merge with mythological and feminist archetypes to reveal complex truths about identity, power, and the human psyche.

At the core of Alchemy of Womanhood lies the concept of metamorphosis—Ortiz examines the constant reshaping of self in response to life's challenges. She turns the canvas into a mirror through oil painting, reflecting on mental health struggles, motherhood, and the complexities of feminity in a world that often romanticizes or overlooks these realities. Her mastery of figurative painting—particularly her use of dramatic contrasts between light and shadow—echoes the Renaissance and Baroque influences of Caravaggio and Peter Paul Rubens. Ortiz captures the movement and opulence reminiscent of Rubens, while Caravaggio's chiaroscuro and raw human realism ground her ethereal figures. The influence of 19th-century Realists like William Bouguereau is also evident in her detailed, dynamic depictions of the human form, balancing strength and fragility.

Ortiz's technical mastery is a sight to behold, particularly in her meticulous use of glazing and grisaille, creating rich layers that lend her figures a near-luminous presence. Against dark, mysterious backdrops, her figures exude both strength and vulnerability, their postures and expressions conveying the weight of mental and physical exhaustion. In works like Mother's Gaze and In the Name of Love, Ortiz presents unflinching depictions of post-birth recovery and maternal anxiety, challenging idealized portrayals of motherhood. These moments invite viewers into an intimate dialogue on the pressures women face, often heightened by societal expectations.

Ortiz's exploration of the subconscious is a fascinating journey that draws heavily on the work of Dorothea Tanning, particularly Tanning's investigations of feminine energy, dread, and the uncanny. Ortiz also channels feminist artists such as Leonor Fini and Evelyn De Morgan, both of whom subverted traditional depictions of women. De Morgan's attention to drapery and her feminist ideals resonate in Ortiz's own commitment to portraying women's experiences with complexity and dignity. Fini's interest in transformation and sexuality finds expression in Ortiz's representations of women as simultaneously sensual and introspective.

Through symbolic motifs such as veils, water, and blood, Ortiz visualizes transformation, vulnerability, and renewal. Her figures navigate the space between the personal and the mythological. Works like The Lonely Hunter draw from the witch archetype, embodying feminist rage, empowerment, and the reclamation of identity. Ortiz's paintings address the timeless struggle for self-definition, where personal truths intersect with societal norms. Each piece becomes a form of visual alchemy, turning personal pain, shame, and triumph into collective narratives that resonate beyond the self.

Patricia Ortiz (b. 1991, Monterrey, Mexico) holds a Master's degree in Art Therapy from Metafora Art Therapy Centre in Barcelona, Spain, and a Bachelor of Arts in Art Therapy from Emmanuel College in Boston, USA, profoundly influencing her artistic approach. In 2023, Ortiz completed the Methods and Techniques of Bouguereau course at The Edinburgh Atelier of Fine Art in Edinburgh, UK, further refining her technical skills. Ortiz's work has been exhibited in Mexico and internationally, with solo exhibitions including her recent show at ETRA Galería in Monterrey, Mexico (2022), and her earlier exhibitions at Amadeus Art Gallery Salon Valencia, Monterrey, Mexico (2016) and Gallery 5 at Emmanuel Art Department in Boston (2013). Her participation in group exhibitions spans various prestigious venues such as the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo MARCO in Monterrey, Mexico, MONAT Gallery in Madrid, Spain, The Nomad Salon, The Brick Lane Gallery in London, UK, and the International Contemporary Brussels Art Fair in Brussels, Belgium.

Ortiz has been recognized in several competitions, including being a semi-finalist in the 16th ARC Salon Competition in New Jersey (2022) and a finalist in the Boynes Emerging Artist Award in Melbourne, Australia (2021). Most recently, Ortiz received further recognition when the England Arts Council endorsed her as a Global Talent in Arts and Culture. Her work has been featured in prominent publications such as British Vogue and Fine Art Connoisseur, solidifying her presence in the art world. Ortiz's works are part of private collections in Mexico, Guatemala, the USA, the UK, Canada, Spain, and Saudi Arabia, marking her as a rising force in contemporary art and a name to watch in the art world.

 

xx Yesenia (Jenny) Munoz​​

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Artwork

 

Patricia Ortiz has spent the past year bringing this captivating collection to life. Artwork prices range from £2,000 to £4,500. To explore more and view available pieces with pricing, please click on PDF catalogue attachment at the top of this page or by contacting Jenny at Jenny@thenomadsalon.com

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YouTube

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About the Artist

EDUCATION:

 

  • Masters in Art Therapy at Metafora Art Therapy Centre, Barcelona, Spain (2018) 

  • Bachelor of Arts in Art Therapy at Emmanuel College, Boston (2013)

SOLO EXHIBITIONS:

 

  • The Nomad Salon, London, UK. Oct 2024.

  • ETRA Galería Monterrey, Mexico. May 2022.

  • Amadeus Art Gallery Salon Valencia, Monterrey, Mexico. 2016.

  • Gallery 5, Emmanuel Art Department Boston, USA. 2013.

 

GROUP EXHIBITIONS:

 

  • Art Collector’s Home Exhibition, Curated by Yesenia Munoz, The Nomad Salon London, UK. October 2023

  • Casa de la Cultura San Pedro, Matur'e  San Pedro Garza García, Mexico. November 2022. 

  • MONAT Gallery, Visions from the Unknown  Madrid, Spain. April 2022. 

  • Palais 1, International Contemporary Bruxelles Art Fair with MONAT Gallery Brussels, Belgium. Nov 2021. 

  • Museo de Arte Contemporáneo MARCO, Séptima Muestra Iberoamericana de Arte Miniatura y Pequeño Formato Monterrey, Mexico.     October 2021.

  • The Brick Lane Gallery, Art in Mind London, United Kingdom. June 2021. 

  • Annual Art Exhibit Fundraiser Mexican Red Cross San Pedro Garza García, Mexico. 2014 – 2022.

  • TOC, Art Lover Ground Barcelona, Spain. 2018.

  • A Sanchez Gallery Cancun, Mexico. 2018. 

  • Untitled Gallery BCN, NOU Barcelona, Spain. 2017.

  • Mutuo Galería, Art Lover Ground Barcelona, Spain. 2016. 

  • Bernardini Art Gallery Polanco México City, Mexico. 2016.

  • Centro Cultural Plaza Fátima, Bernardini Art Gallery Auction San Pedro Garza García, Mexico. 2016.

  • Centro Cultural Plaza Fátima, 50 Artistas UN Impulso San Pedro Garza García, Mexico. 2016.

 

AWARDS AND COMPETITIONS:

  • SEMI-FINALIST 16th ARC Salon Competition. DEATH OF A PAST. New Jersey, USA. Sept 2022.

  • FINALIST Boynes Emerging Artist Award 5th Edition. CAGED. Melbourne, AUS. Dec 2021.

  • FINALIST Séptima Muestra Iberoamericana de Arte Miniatura y Pequeño Formato. VICTIMS. Monterrey, Mexico. Oct 2021.

  • FINALIST collective exhibit and award nomination for HOMEM. BIG AWARDS by CAGE CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY. Barcelona, ES. 2020.    

 

COURSES:

 

  • Conscious Creativity and Fine Art Mentoring Christopher Remmers, Seattle, USA.  Sept – Nov 2023. 

  • Methods and Techniques of Bouguereau, The Edinburgh Atelier of Fine Art Leah Vaugh and Ewan McNaughton, Edinburgh, UK. August - Sept 2023.

  • Painting a Multifigure Composition Steven Assael online intensive course. Oct 2022.

  • Self-portraiture in Oil Painting and Kitsch Philosophy Raul Campos. Monterrey, Mx. Oct 2022.   

  • Figurative Drawing Ramiro Martinez Plasencia. Monterrey, MX. 2021-2022.

  • Realism Oil Painting Enrique Saucedo. Monterrey, MX. 2018-2022.

  • Contemporary Flemish Technique Nelson Ferreira, London, UK. Sept – Nov 2017.

  • Figurative and Landscape Oil Painting Xavier Moreno Prats, Subex Art Gallery, Barcelona, ES. Jan. March 2017.

 

COLLECTIONS:

Patricia’s artwork forms part of private collections in Mexico, Guatemala, the USA, the UK, Canada, Spain, and Saudi Arabia.

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Patricia.Ortiz.AB-4135
Patricia.Ortiz.AB-4153
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Patricia.Ortiz.AB-4353
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Patricia.Ortiz.AB-4040
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Patricia.Ortiz.AB-3898
Patricia.Ortiz.AB-3880
Patricia.Ortiz.AB-3846
Patricia.Ortiz.AB-3807
Patricia.Ortiz.AB-3827
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Patricia.Ortiz.AB-4319
Patricia.Ortiz.AB-4340
Patricia.Ortiz.AB-4351
Patricia.Ortiz.AB-4349
Patricia.Ortiz.AB-4354
Patricia.Ortiz.AB-3821
Patricia.Ortiz.AB-3799
Untitled design (15)
MOTHER'S GAZE
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THE APOLOGY

Interactive Polaroids

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