ALBERTO ORTEGA
“EYE OF THE BEHOLDER”
ALBERTO ORTEGA
“EYE OF THE BEHOLDER”
November 7th - December 1st
Arcadia Contemporary is proud to present “Eye of The Beholder,” a solo exhibition by Alberto Ortega, on view from November 7 through December 1, 2024. This exhibition, Ortega’s second with Arcadia, features fourteen new oil paintings that delve into the haunting undercurrents of America’s suburban life, unveiling the contradictions within mid-century American ideals.
Born in Seville, Spain, and now residing in Raleigh, North Carolina, Ortega views America, now his home, through a dichotomous lens, exploring the isolation, anxiety, and ambiguity that define its landscapes. His meticulous process involves handcrafting miniature sets that he uses as models, enabling him to capture intimate moments that feel cinematic yet quietly unsettling.
“I would describe myself as an artist who delves into the hidden narratives of suburban life,” says Ortega. “My paintings depict seemingly mundane scenes, often set at night or dusk, which subtly evoke feelings of mystery, isolation, and tension.”
Each work in “Eye of The Beholder” reveals the fragility and contradictions of the “American Dream,” critiquing mid-20th-century notions of societal conformity and the nuclear family. Ortega’s nocturnes conjure an atmosphere where viewers are invited to engage and project their own interpretations onto his open-ended narratives.
“I titled this exhibition “Eye of the Beholder because” it reflects the idea that perception is subjective,” Ortega explains. “What one person sees or feels can be entirely different from another’s interpretation. In my work, I aim to capture scenes that might seem familiar at first glance but contain layers of ambiguity.”
Pieces like “The Clock Tower” and “Annunciation” capture this duality, balancing nostalgia with a quiet sense of discomfort. His works evoke the influence of figures such as Edward Hopper and David Lynch, drawing viewers into reflective, sometimes unsettling explorations of everyday life.
“I’m inspired by the quiet complexities of life—those moments that often go unnoticed but hold so much meaning just below the surface,” says Ortega. “What’s important isn’t just what’s shown, but how it’s perceived.”
An opening reception, with the artist in attendance, will be held on Thursday, November 7, from 6–8 p.m.
“No
Surprises” Oil on Panel
30 x 48 Inches
“Annunciation”
Oil on Panel
30 x 48 Inches
30 x 40 Inches
“The Clock Tower” Oil on Panel
“Community Watch” Oil on Panel
29.5 x 30 Inches
“The
18.5 x 30 Inches
Band Practice” Oil on Panel
“An Inquiry” Oil on Panel
18 x 30 Inches
“An Unusual Minute”
17 x 30 Inches
Oil on Panel
“A New Car For The Patersons” Oil on Panel
14.5 x 19 Inches
17 x 16 Inches
“The Long Winter” Oil on Panel
“Propeller”
10 x 16 Inches
Oil on Panel
“A
9 x 12 Inches
Strange Delivery” Oil on Panel
9 x 12 Inches
“The Realtor” Oil on Panel
“A
8 x 10 Inches
Humid Evening” Oil on Panel
8 x 8 Inches
“Projection” Oil on Panel
