Standing in Cuarto

Standing in Cuarto, 36x24in, oil on canvas

words in painting

Earlier this year, I started incorporating written text within the layers of my work. The paintings often start out with pours and drips, and I write with oil stick after the first couple layers. The words are both in English and Spanish and interchange from word to word and sentence to sentence. I grew up in a family environment where English was the primary language at home, but at large family gatherings Spanish was spoken. I have a limited ability to speak Spanish, and there are still some  awkward moments with extended family members who don't speak English.

The words I write in the layers tell stories, label, and describe emotions related to the imagery in the painting. Switching languages, confronts the process of translation. By repeating the same word such as "Ojo, Eye" written over the eye of a portrait, I suggest that perspective can be filtered through language.  The use of this kind of written narrative suggests my mixed identity, and the complexity of meaning in language. 

Detail from Ojo in Cuarto

Ojo in Cuarto, 48x36in, oil on canvas

The pixel in painting

Cambio Self Retrato, 48x36in, oil on canvas by Daniel Ochoa

Recently, I began incorporating pixel emulation in my work. This came about because I read The Post Modern Turn by Best and Kellner. The reading prompted me to question the formal qualities in my work. The realistic depiction of objects and abstract techniques are both identified with modern artists. I saw the pixel as a sign of the postmodern because it did not exist before the 1960's, which as the authors suggest is when the post modern turn began to take place.

When I was in high school in 1998, I took a photography class using 'real film' and learned how to develop the film with a chemical process. I used traditional cameras for about five more years and saw the transition to digital cameras. Now in 2010, almost all imagery in television, computer, and cameras use pixel technology to produce images. I use digital cameras exclusively and rely on digital software to view, edit and print the images I prepare for paintings. By incorporating the suggestion of pixels in my work, I am appropriating a product of technology that permeates our environment. In my work, I explore how to pluralize perspectives and the destruction of the hi-res or 'real looking' image to the pixel re-identifies the perception of the imagery.

The pixelated photo above is a reference I used for the painting "Cambio Self Retrato".

Se Llama Modernist Impressionist

Se Llama Modernist Impressionist, 24x18in, oil on canvas

Brooklyln Extranjero and Space in Caurto

New work at Hallway Gallery in Bellevue, Washington.

Brooklyn Extranjero, 18x14in, oil on canvas
Space in Cuarto, 36x24in, Oil on canvas

Hallway Gallery

Que Fue Portrait

Que Fue Portrait, 30x24in, oil on canvas

Review of 'Mixed perceptions' by Adelia Ganson

Adelia Ganson recently wrote a review of 'Mixed Perceptions' which took place at Blue Gallery in June 2010. Below is a link to the full article.

http://ereview.org/2010/07/20/form-emphasis-from-fragments/

Here is a exert from Adelia Ganson's write up...

'The compositions reference vivisection, with human forms fractured and fragmented, their organic foundation clearly visible. Some create a visual collage of additional elements, and others confront the challenge of selective removal. Through these articulations and strong visual associations with the human self, Ochoa challenges the viewer to confront who they are, or perhaps, what they are not. '

attached painting:
To the Lado, 60x36in, oil on canvas, 2010
Available - Blue Gallery

San Francisco Art Fair 2010. Julie Nester Gallery Booth

Here is a photo of Julie Nester Gallery's booth at the San Francisco Art Fair 2010.

http://www.sffineartfair.com/

Buscando Over There, 64x56in, oil on canvas

Buscando Over There, 64x56in, oil on canvas

Available - Julie Nester Gallery

J.P. Retrato, 40x30in, oil on canvas, 2010

Unvailable - Blue Gallery

Manos y Dedos Reaching

Manos y Dedos Reaching, 64x44in, oil on canvas

Unavailable - Julie Nester Gallery