Carlos Javier Ortiz
(born in San Juan, Puerto Rico)
Carlos Javier Ortiz is a multifaceted artist known for his impactful work as a director, cinematographer, documentary photographer, and visual artist. His work critically examines urban life, often weaving personal narratives into his storytelling. Ortiz's dedication to social justice is clear in his focus on structural discrimination and human rights through film and photography, to foster empathy for those often overlooked. His overarching goal is to capture contemporary moments, helping viewers understand current times through the lens of photography and film.
Ortiz's methodology is deeply influenced by social realism, facilitating a critical engagement with contemporary socio-political issues. His humanist perspective strives to bridge divides through visual imagery and sound, promoting understanding. Notably, Ortiz has received prestigious accolades, including a National Geographic Explorer fellowship in 2021 and a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2016.
Carlos Javier's work has been showcased nationally and internationally at prestigious venues, such as the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, the Worcester Art Museum in Massachusetts, the International Museum of Photography and Film in Rochester, NY, and the Library of Congress.
His photography notably contributed to Ta-Nehisi Coates' influential article "The Case for Reparations" in The Atlantic. Based in Chicago, Ortiz teaches documentary filmmaking at Columbia College and serves on the board of the Museum of Contemporary Photography Chicago, underscoring his commitment to his craft and community.
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Photography by Alyce Henson