Pilar Ortiz

Painting, Visual / Media

About the Artist

I am a Colombian artist whose work is deeply rooted in heritage, memory, and transformation. Thirty years ago, I immigrated to the United States, a journey that profoundly shaped my identity and artistic voice. Since then, painting and creating have been constants in my life: a way to process change, preserve culture, and explore the evolving relationship between past and present. Art has always been my refuge, a space where emotion becomes visible, and silence finds form. Through bold colors and expressive forms, I seek to tell stories that transcend language, stories that emerge from both personal experience and a collective ancestral rhythm. My Colombian roots are central to my practice, infusing my work with vibrancy, warmth, and the symbolic weight of tradition. I work across multiple disciplines, painting, illustration, and design, constantly experimenting with new materials and techniques to deepen the emotional impact of my pieces. I am especially drawn to the expressive possibilities of texture and shape, using them to convey internal landscapes and cultural memory. Each creation is an intimate journey and an open invitation to feel, to reflect, and to connect. I blend contemporary methods with traditional craftsmanship passed down through generations, creating works that are both timely and timeless. My art is a visual dialogue, one that celebrates resilience, identity, and the rich diversity of the Hispanic experience. Throughout my career, I’ve had the honor of exhibiting in galleries and collaborating with fellow artists, each experience expanding my creative horizons. I remain committed to growth, to honoring my roots, and to crafting pieces that speak across borders, rooted in who I am, yet always reaching outward.