Futuro Pasado is a two person art exhibit featuring Emilia Cruz and Rick Ortega that explores the concepts of hybridity, historical culture, relationships and self-actualization. The work embraces the concept that culture can guide us into the future but continues to evolve as we build relationships and awareness with one another.
Exhibition run July 16 - September 18, 2021 | Tues-Sat. By appt.
FUTURO PASADO | July 16, 2021 | Photography by Elon Schoenholz
Emilia Cruz
Emilia Cruz is a first generation Mexican American artist born in San Diego, Ca, 1993; currently residing in Simi Valley, Ca
Cruz is enrolled in the Illustration program at Art Center College of Design. She teaches art classes for kids at Plaza de la Raza’s Cultural Center for the Arts and Education, located in Lincoln Heights, Los Angeles, CA. She was recently commissioned by CNN en Español for Proyecto Ser Humano (Humanity Project), for a Netflix series called Gente-fied, and was asked to design a mural for Netflix Selena: The Series.
“My work exemplifies the importance of representation, specifically for women of color. I am exploring different ways in which I can depict vulnerability, self-love, and empowerment.”
EXHIBITIONS
Plaza de la Raza, Los Angeles, CA, Futuro Pasado, July 2021, curated by Summer Bernal, Jimmy O’Balles, and Juan Escobedo
Self-Help Graphics, Los Angeles, CA, 2020 Vision: Prophecy Manifested, March 2020, curated by Mujeres de Maiz
Tonalli Studio, Los Angeles, CA, Corazón de Melón, February 2020
Centro de Artes, San Antonio, TX, Xicanx, New Visions, February 2020, curated by Dos Mestizx
Avenue 50 Studio, Los Angeles, CA, Mujer: Rights, February 2020
South Pasadena City Hall Galleries, So Pas, CA, Entrelazadas, January 2020, curated by 11:11 A Creative Collective
City Hall Gallery, Pacoima, CA, Fuerza De La Mujer, November 2019 curated by 11:11 A Creative Collective
ChimMaya Gallery, Los Angeles, CA, Arte Pare La Gente, October 2019
La Bodega Gallery, San Diego, CA, Perfect 10 Group Show, October 2019
ChimMaya Gallery, Los Angeles, CA, September Group Show, September 2019
Tonalli Studio, Los Angeles, CA, Entering the Goddess Portal, August 2019
La Bodega Gallery, San Diego, CA, Friducha, Frida Inspired Art Show, July 2019
ChimMaya Gallery, Los Angeles, CA, Primavera, May 2019
Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery, Seattle, Washington, Chingonas Art Exhibition, May 2019
MCAU Gallery, Los Angeles, CA, We Are Many, March 2019
La Bodega Gallery, San Diego, CA, Chicana: Liberated and Empowered, March 2019
Self Help Graphics & Arts, Los Angeles, CA, Mujeres de Maiz Annual Art Exhibit, March 2019
Tonalli Studio, Los Angeles, CA, Light Flying Backwards, March 2019
ChimMaya Gallery, Los Angeles, CA, 13th Annual Open House, December 2018
ChimMaya Gallery, Los Angeles, CA, Las Hijas de La Luna y del Sol, Solo Exhibit, November 2018
ChimMaya Gallery, Los Angeles, CA, Frida y Los Muertos, October 2018
Angel City Brewery, Los Angeles, CA, Stories of the Neighborhood, October 2018 curated by Ms.Yellow
ChimMaya Gallery, Los Angeles, CA, Autumn Group Show, September 2018
Kaleidoscope Kollective, Los Angeles, CA, That Brown Skin Magia, September 2018
Avenue 50 Studio, Los Angeles, CA, Mis Cuentos, Solo Exhibit, July 2018
ChimMaya Gallery, Los Angeles, CA, 13th Year Anniversary, July 2018
La Bodega Gallery, San Diego, CA, Frida Kahlo Art Show, July 2018
SPARC, Venice, CA, When She Rises, July 2018
ChimMaya Gallery, Los Angeles, CA, I Am Not a Label, April 2018
La Bodega Gallery, San Diego, CA, Chicana: Magia de Mujer, March 2018
Plaza de la Raza, Los Angeles, CA, Viva la Muxer, March 2018 curated by Las Fotos Project
Rick Ortega
The Artwork of Rick Ortega transcends time and takes us on a mystical journey into an ancient way of life. His paintings reveal an array of indigenous symbols from Mexico’s past, turning his colorful compositions into modern day codices which reveal the history, myths, legends and spiritual beliefs of the Mexica people, better known as the Aztecs. Each painting captures the heritage of his ancestors, who held the arts with high regard, truly believing that the Tlacuilo (The Painter) had his heart rooted in God and would transfer the symbols of divinity to his paintings. This ancient tradition of creativity is the root of Mr. Ortega’s art. In his paintings we see and feel a deep spiritual presence illuminating his compositions, with a focus on the beautiful artistry the Aztecas surrounded their lives with, along with their deep devotion to the gods who ruled the Heavens, the Earth, and the Underworld. It has been written that the Aztecs were conquered and their way of life destroyed, yet here we see that their Spirit still lives and breathes through the artistry of this twenty-first century Tlacuilo, The painter, Rick Ortega.
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The artwork of Rick Ortega has been exhibited at numerous galleries, beginning with his first exhibition at Galeria Las Americas in Santa Monica in 1995. Others include, Lankershim Art Gallery in NoHo, Pueblo Gallery in L.A., Carlotta’s Passion in Eagle Rock, Casa de la Cultura in Las Cruces, New Mexico, DA Gallery in Pomona, Dr. Rudy Acuña Gallery in Oxnard and many others throughout his years of exhibiting. He has given lectures along with slide shows at different Universities and high schools in Southern California. From 1995 – 2000 Rick was a committee member of Cultuaztlan, a grassroots organization that helped bring cultural festivals and artist workshops into his home town of San Fernando CA. He went on to join Artino Arts group of L.A. receiving much recognition in the promotion of Latino Art. Rick Ortega is currently a resident Artist at ChimMaya Gallery in Los Angeles CA.