Damian Ortega | DIY "Mexican Style"

DIY -- Do It Yourself.

Trying to define, compare or begin to explain this acronym has been quite a challenge.  Even before writing this, I had a hard time arranging my thoughts and, to be completely honest, even after doing some research and going through sleepless nights thinking about it, I am still intrigued by its meaning.

I was given the awesome opportunity to be present in the curatorial/staff walk for the new ICA's exhibition Damian Ortega, Do It Yourself, where Ortega himself was giving a full disclosure of his works.  For art lovers, like myself, this was pure bliss.  And, I mean, is it possible not to be remotely interested in his exhibition when you are welcomed by his Cosmic Thing?  I was drooling all over it when I first saw it.

DIY is a term usually used for things related to home improvement, like building and repairing things without professional help - think about the Ikea phenomenon.  In art, it evokes ideas of breaking things down, reassembling, and manipulating everyday objects in such a way that they are brought out of their usual context.  Without getting into technicisms... DIY has a lot to do with ready-mades and the Duchamp and Damien Hirst legacy.

Ortega naturally brings a lot of his Mexican heritage into his pieces; references to his natal country are not evident, but definitely present.  This survey of the last decade covers his Coke bottle sculptures, leather floor plans, mirror cubes, chair sculptures, videos and photographs... the list goes on.  Though, in a brief Q&A session he admitted to be identified, hence, driven to work with bricks.

I genuinely loved this show.  But, i know... Contemporary installation art can be scary and slightly confusing.  As a friend said, it's hard to be face-to-face with a piece that many times needs to be explained to be understood; a piece that isn't necessarily 'pretty', with bits and pieces of a foreign culture.

If you feel this when facing Ortega's work, then I say: Eureka! Success! He brought you out of your comfort zone, and triggered curiosity.  Maybe even made you questioned your own stance.  

The ICA will have his show 'til January 2010.  Enough to see it once, twice or maybe three times?

DAMIAN ORTEGA

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