José Antonio Ortíz Pagán
Tell us about you and your work
I was born and raised in the south side of Puerto Rico. While growing in the small industrial town of Guayama, I got involved with the local hc/punk scene as well as graffiti & skateboarding crews. During those years I organized shows and also started what was called “La Pared” skatepark with several friends. I also spent time playing percussion (bongo and conga), throughout my youth as part of my family's “jibaro” music group which still plays up until today.
Currently, I am a multidisciplinary artist with a deep commitment to working in close collaboration with community members, with art as a source of hope, transformation, and healing. I am trained as a printmaker, a process that is inherently communal, and my practice has expanded to include sculpture, drawing, painting, and performance. The common thread connecting these disciplines is the idea of providing platforms for shared experiences.
Also, I’m the co-founder (1 of 3), of the initiative Colectiva Clara, which works in developing products that inspire spiritual empowerment.
In addition to my practice as a visual artist, I am also one of the active members of Compas 48 band. The band is formed by an amazing group of musicians and creatives and we play several genres including psychedelic cumbia, klezmer, ska, son Jarocho, and many more experimental styles.
What inspires you?
The possibility of imagining communal growth. Dreams of equity and hope. Playing and exercising with my imagination to position ourselves in the future.
What does community mean to you?
I refer to the concept of Comunalidad as defined by the zapotec activist Jaime Martinez Luna and many “zapatista” cleaders from Oaxaca. This concept talks about a community with not only a suspended geography but also inspires us to think in terms of the collective, staying away from an individualistic view.
Favorite film
Holy Mountain from A. Jodorosky
Favorite song
The list is too long but I’m currently enjoying a lot of Electrica Selvatica music lately.
Favorite place
Anyplace near water in the Caribbean (river/sea).
