Carlos Javier Ortiz’s photo invites viewers to be participants in social justice advocacy – Huge
Through his humanistic approach to photography and film, Carlos Javier Ortiz indulges us in dramatic protests, emotional rituals and historical events, marking our present moment.
The Chicago-based photographer and filmmaker was born in Puerto Rico and often conducts serious research on urban center life through a personal narrative perspective. His practice, guided by dedication to social justice and human rights, tells visual stories to help viewers understand current events and issues through still and moving images.
Ortiz’s solo exhibition, Inheriting the United Statesopen this month at the Riverside Art Center. The boldly chosen images curated by Laura Husar Garcia documented political activism and community portraits that reveal the daily struggles of people fighting for justice and equity.
“What makes Ortiz’s work so necessary is a boycott of wonders,” Garcia said in a statement.
He has no moment of chasing crisis. He stayed. He is back. He filmed the waiting, recovery, the duration of daily life, no matter the headlines. That’s where his power lies – not only showing us events, but also the systems around us.
Inheriting the United States Highlighting Ortiz’s art in advocacy forms in dual form, sharing views and stories we don’t see often from large-scale, traditional media outlets. He built trust in the individual and community he worked with, documenting the intensity of night demonstrations, the beauty of collaboration inherently, or the quiet and reflection after a major event.
Ortiz turned the lens to people, gatherings and places that reflect historically marginalized communities and people of color. We see abandoned grocery stores in the urban “food desert” where underserved residents can use fast food but are not easily accessible to fresh produce or healthy food options. He shows us important turning points in recent history, such as protesting against Michael Brown’s death in St. Louis at the hands of police officer Darren Wilson. Ortiz captured the moment 24 hours before Wilson was acquitted by a riotered grand jury.
“In an era that represents such easy to manipulate, Inheriting the United States “Modeling another type of authorship – one is reciprocity, morality and author rooted in place. It requires the audience not only to see, but to keep a sense of tension. Working with what it means to still define one’s own country. This exhibition is not just the United States we see. It’s about the Americans we’re involved in shaping.”
Inheriting the United States Open on September 14 and lasts until October 18 at Riverside (about 25 minutes east of the Chicago loop). Explore more on Ortiz’s website.
