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A grayscale photo of artist Carlos Javier Ortiz holding a camera. He wears glasses and looks at the camera with a neutral expression.

Carlos Javier Ortiz

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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.

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Carlos Javier 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.

Featured Artwork

"Nine black and white photographs laid out in a 3×3 grid. The photos show various scenes in Ferguson, MO" - Carlos Javier Ortiz
Carlos Javier Ortiz, Ferguson a memory from Mike Brown, 2014, Polaroid prints. Nine black and white photographs laid out in a 3×3 grid. The photos show various scenes in Ferguson, MO. Image courtesy of the artist.
Four people at the beach posing for a picture. Two adults and two children.
Carlos Javier Ortiz. Chicago’s lakefront is a frequent hang-out for youth during the summer months, but many young people have never been outside of their neighborhoods, let alone to the beaches along the lake. Near South Side, Chicago, 2006. Image courtesy of the artist.
A Black man stands facing the viewer in a crowd. His shirt is printed with people's faces.
Carlos Javier Ortiz. Ortiz: “Thousands gather on the Mall in Washington D.C on Saturday for the ‘Justice or Else’ rally. Black men and women, from different races, from across the country gathered for the Million Man March in Washington D.C., led by Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, on Saturday, October 10, 2016. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Million Man March in Washington, D.C. The 20th anniversary of the March calls for a renewed call for justice.” 2015. The photo shows a Black man in a crowd facing the viewer. Image courtesy of the artist.