Associate Professor Raul Ortega Ayala staff profile picture

Contact details +6449793279

Associate Professor Raul Ortega Ayala BFA, MFA

Associate Professor

School of Art

Associate Professor Raul Ortega Ayala is an artist whose research-based practice is influenced by anthropology and predominantly focused on social issues. Recently, he’s developed a series of projects that explore the ways in which societies remember, forget or repress the past. He’s used mediums like film, sound, photography, painting, sculpture, happennings, and others for the production of his artworks.

Professional

Contact details

  • Location: Block 1
    Campus: Wellington

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Fine Arts - National Institute of Fine Arts (2000)
  • Master of Fine Arts - Glasgow School of Art (2003)

Research Expertise

Research Interests

Anthropology, Memory studies, Nuclear Colonialism, Forced Migration, Intersperse History, Eco-nationalism, Human Ecology, Study of future visions; sound archeology, Saharanism; Food studies; Mexican and Latin-American Contemporary Art, Mexican history, Caribbean history and diaspora; 

Area of Expertise

Field of research codes
Anthropology (160100):
Art History (190102): Art Theory (190103): Art Theory and Criticism (190100): Fine Arts (incl. Sculpture and Painting) (190502):
History And Archaeology (210000):
Lens-based Practice (190503): Performance and Installation Art (190504):
Social and Cultural Anthropology (160104):
Studies In Creative Arts And Writing (190000):
Studies In Human Society (160000):
Visual Arts and Crafts (190500)

Keywords

Fine Art, Painting, Sculpture, Screen Arts, Film, Video, Sound, Performance, Happening, Olfactory Art

Research Outputs

Journal

Edward, W. (2018). Performing Leftovers: On the ecology of performance's remains. Performance Research: a journal of the performing arts. 22(8), 99-106 Retrieved from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13528165.2017.1433387
[Journal article]Contributed to by: Ortega Ayala, R.
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Gratza, A. (2010). Spirtual nourishment: Food and Ritual in performance art. PAJ: a journal of performance and art. 32(1), 67-75
[Journal article]Contributed to by: Ortega Ayala, R.

Book

Tawadros, G. (2021). Extra-Extra: Interview with Raul Ortega Ayala. In The Sphinx Contemplating Napoleon: Global Perspectives on Contemporary Art and Difference. London, United Kingdom: Bloomsbury Visual Arts
[Chapter]Authored by: Ortega Ayala, R.Contributed to by: Ortega Ayala, R.
Salgado, G., & Ortega Ayala, R. (2021). The Zone. In G. Salgado (Ed.) Under the Southern Stars. (pp. 168 - 175). Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland, New Zealand: Te Tuhi
[Chapter]Authored by: Ortega Ayala, R.Contributed to by: Ortega Ayala, R.

Creative Work

Ortega Ayala, R. (2021, March 27). Normal Exceptions: Contemporary Art in Mexico. (No. of Pieces: 1) Museo Jumex.
[Exhibition]Authored by: Ortega Ayala, R.
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Ortega Ayala, R. (2023, September 2). Montserrat (a phono-archaeology). (No. of Pieces: 16) Durst Britt & Mayhew Gallery.
[Exhibition]Authored by: Ortega Ayala, R.
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Ortega Ayala, R. (2022, June 18). The Zone, Chernobyl (2013-2022. (No. of Pieces: 12) Proyectos Monclova.
[Exhibition]Authored by: Ortega Ayala, R.
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Ortega Ayala, R. (2020, May 23). The Zone. Te Tuhi.
[Exhibition]Authored by: Ortega Ayala, R.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Ortega Ayala, R. (2018, August 18). Food for thought. Millers O'Brien Gallery.
[Exhibition]Authored by: Ortega Ayala, R.
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Ortega Ayala, R. (2017, May 4). Food for Thought Exhibition at Proyectos Monclova. (No. of Pieces: 7) [painting, printed canvas, sculpture, video, happening, archive material and ephemera]. Proyectos Monclova Gallery, Mexico City.
[Exhibition]Authored by: Ortega Ayala, R.
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Ortega Ayala, R. (2015, May 19). Stirring the Pot of Story. [Sculpture made of fat, bones, table, lights]. Delfina Foundation, London, UK. 19 May - 13 June 2015.
[Exhibition]Authored by: Ortega Ayala, R.
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Raul Ortega Ayala, . (2018, March 29). Rendez Vous. (No. of Pieces: 4) [Painting]. Frans Hals Museum, Netherlands.
[Exhibition]Contributed to by: Ortega Ayala, R.
Ortega Ayala, R. (2023, June 8). Een Lekkere Dood. Tot Zover Museum.
[Exhibition]Authored by: Ortega Ayala, R.Contributed to by: Ortega Ayala, R.
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Ortega Ayala, R. (2020, February 14). Vèf Jaah. (No. of Pieces: 2) Dürst Britt & Mayhew Gallery, The Hague, Netherlands.
[Exhibition]Authored by: Ortega Ayala, R.Contributed to by: Ortega Ayala, R.
Ortega Ayala, R. (2014, April 6). Macht.Wahn.Vision. (No. of Pieces: 1) [Fat, bones, table and lamps]. [Touring exhibition] Arp Museum, Rolandseck, Germany. 6 April - 31 August 2014.
[Exhibition]Authored by: Ortega Ayala, R.
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Raul Ortega Ayala, . (2013, October 26). Macht.Wahn.Vision. (No. of Pieces: 1) Kunsthalle Vogelmann, Germany.
[Exhibition]Contributed to by: Ortega Ayala, R.
Raul Ortega Ayala, . (2014, April 6). Macht.Wahn.Vision. Rapunzel & Co. Von Türmen und Menschen in der Kunst. (No. of Pieces: 1) Arp Museum.
[Exhibition]Contributed to by: Ortega Ayala, R.
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Ortega Ayala, R. (2018, July 6). The old uneven time. Durst Britt and Mayhew Gallery.
[Exhibition]Authored by: Ortega Ayala, R.Contributed to by: Ortega Ayala, R.
Ortega Ayala, R. (2017, January 27). The Zone. [Photography, painting and video]. Durst Britt and Mayhew Gallery, The Hague, Netherlands. 27 January - 25 March 2017.
[Exhibition]Authored by: Ortega Ayala, R.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Raul Ortega Ayala, . (2015, May 19). Stirring the Pot of Story. (No. of Pieces: 1) Delfina Foundation.
[Exhibition]Contributed to by: Ortega Ayala, R.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Ortega Ayala, R. (2018, June 3). Naar Van Gogh. (No. of Pieces: 1) Van Gogh Huis.
[Exhibition]Authored by: Ortega Ayala, R.Contributed to by: Ortega Ayala, R.
Ortega Ayala, R. (2018, July 7). The Gates. Millers O'Brien Gallery.
[Exhibition]Authored by: Ortega Ayala, R.
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Ortega Ayala, R. (2018, July 7). KINO. NEST, The Hague.
[Exhibition]Authored by: Ortega Ayala, R.Contributed to by: Ortega Ayala, R.
Raul Ortega Ayala, . (2016, February 6). Set. [Video]. TV Studio.
[Exhibition]Contributed to by: Ortega Ayala, R.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Raul Ortega Ayala, . (2016, April 2). Silent Light. ["Untitled Curtains" Single channel video, 5:40min]. Durst Britt and Mayhew Gallery, Netherlands. 2 April - 21 May 2016.
[Exhibition]Contributed to by: Ortega Ayala, R.
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Raul Ortega Ayala, . (2016, July 28). Ghost Walker. [Single channel video, 5:40 min]. Curated by Modelab. Muca Roma Mexico City, Mexico. 28 July - 14 August 2016.
[Exhibition]Contributed to by: Ortega Ayala, R.
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Ortega Ayala, R. (2015, November 19). True Story. (No. of Pieces: 2) [Comprised 1 painting: 66.5 x 74.5 cm, 1 photograph: 120 x 180 cm]. Curated by Michel Blancsubé — former curator in chief of the Jumex Collection. Proyectos Monclova Gallery, Mexico City, Mexico. 19 November 2015 - 9 January 2016.
[Exhibition]Authored by: Ortega Ayala, R.
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Ortega Ayala, R. (2014, December 3). Bureau of Memories: Archives and Ephemera, with Ethnographic Terminalia, exhibition. (No. of Pieces: 1) Hierarchy Gallery, Washington D.C..
[Exhibition]Authored by: Ortega Ayala, R.
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Humberto Ramírez, ., & Raul Ortega Ayala, . (2014, March 6). Estudio Abierto #3, Indice de la Victoria. (No. of Pieces: 1) Museo de Arte de Zapopan.
[Exhibition]Contributed to by: Ortega Ayala, R.
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Etnographic Terminalia, . (2014, December 3). Bureau of Memories: Archives and Ephemera. (No. of Pieces: 1) Hierarchy Gallery.
[Exhibition]Contributed to by: Ortega Ayala, R.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Ortega Ayala, R. (2013, March 16). Ja Natuurlijk (Yes, Naturally). (No. of Pieces: 1) [Sculpture made of fat, bones, table and lights]. Ja Natuurlijk (Yes, Naturally), Gemeentemuseum, The Hague, Netherlands. 16 March - 18 August 2013.
[Exhibition]Authored by: Ortega Ayala, R.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Raul Ortega Ayala, . (2012, September 8). McVideo. (No. of Pieces: 1) [Video]. Former fast-food restaurant.
[Exhibition]Contributed to by: Ortega Ayala, R.
Read Abstract: abstract icon
Ortega Ayala, R. (2012, September 6). La puerta hacia lo invisible debe ser visible / The door to the invisible should be visible. (No. of Pieces: 2) [Comprised 1 painting: 44.8 x 55 cm, and 1 single channel video: 4:48 min]. Curated by Catalina Lozano. Casa del Lago, Mexico City, Mexico. 6 September - 14 December 2012.
[Exhibition]Authored by: Ortega Ayala, R.
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Conference

Ortega Ayala, R., Plokhy, S., Turei, P., & Miller, J.Foisted nuclear agendas in Aotearoa, Moana Nui a Kiwa & Ukraine.
[Conference Other]Authored by: Ortega Ayala, R.
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Ortega Ayala, R.Homeward bound.
[Conference Other]Authored by: Ortega Ayala, R.Contributed to by: Ortega Ayala, R.
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Carolyn Christov Bakargiev (Artistic Director dOCUMENTA 13, Kassel 2012), ., Tue Greenfort (Artist), ., Minerva Cuevas (Artist), ., Marjetica Potrc (Artist), ., & Raul Ortega Ayala, .First impresions. . Gemeentemuseum, The Hague, Netherlands
[Conference Other]Contributed to by: Ortega Ayala, R.
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Ortega Ayala, R.(2022, June). Miércoles de SOMA The Zone, Chernobyl (2013-2022). .
[Conference]Authored by: Ortega Ayala, R.

Other

Phillips, K., & Haddix, M. (2019). Greenberg Speaker Series: Difficult Memories. Syracuse University’s Greenberg House and The Lender Center for Social Justice
[Other]Contributed to by: Baird, K., Ortega Ayala, R.
Ortega Ayala, R. (2020). Exhibition Catalogue - The Zone. : Te Tuhi
[Internet publication]Authored by: Ortega Ayala, R.
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Arozqueta, C. (2022). Text by Claudia Arozqueta about the exhibition The Zone, Chernobyl (2013-2022).
[Other]Contributed to by: Ortega Ayala, R.
Charlotte Wessels, . (2014). Eating the other. (pp. 51 - 56).
[Other]Contributed to by: Ortega Ayala, R.
Alice Tappenden, ., Ann Shelton, ., & Jessica Hubbard, . (2015). The Dendromanic.
[Internet publication]Contributed to by: Ortega Ayala, R.
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Consultancy and Languages

Languages

  • English
    Last used: Fluent
    Spoken ability: Excellent
    Written ability: Excellent
  • Spanish
    Last used: Fluent
    Spoken ability: Excellent
    Written ability: Excellent
  • French
    Last used: Frequently
    Spoken ability: Average
    Written ability: Average
  • Italian
    Last used: Recent
    Spoken ability: Average
    Written ability: Needs work

Teaching and Supervision

Teaching Statement

Teaching in the BFA and MFA

Contact Supervisor

Media and Links

Media

  • 31 May 2017 - Online
    Raúl Ortega Ayala at Proyectos Monclova
    Press coverage of solo exhibition Food for Thought at Proyectos Monclova, Mexico
  • 31 Jul 2021 - Online, Video
    Artforum at Sotheby's
    Artforum at Sotheby's | Normal Exceptions: Contemporary Art In Mexico at Museo Jumex, minute 18:30
  • 30 Jul 2018 - Online
    Reusachtig kunstwerk Van Gogh in dahlia’s
  • 30 Apr 2017 - Online
    Raúl Ortega Ayala en Proyectos Monclova
  • 29 May 2018 - Online
    Expositie 'Naar Van Gogh'
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  • 28 Dec 2012 - Online
    Massa
  • 25 Jun 2022 - Online
    Forbes Mexico
  • 24 May 2017 - Online, Magazine
    Food For Thought Wall Street International Magazin
    Press coverage of solo exhibition Food for Thought at Proyectos Monclova, Mexico
  • 23 Sep 2016 - Online
    First Impressions of Unseen Photo Fair, Amsterdam
    First Impressions of Unseen Photo Fair, Amsterdam
  • 23 Feb 2018 - Online
    Los artistas noveles se centran en ARCO
    En la performance y la transformación
  • 22 Jun 2023 - Online
    70 Packs
    Online article
  • 22 Apr 2018 - Online
    SPECIAL FEATURE: Art Brussels 2018 (Part 2)
  • 21 May 2018 - Magazine
    Article on Arco Lisboa by Hart Magazine (Belgium)
  • 21 Mar 2017 - Online
    Raúl Ortega Ayala at Dürst Britt & Mayhew
    Editorial recommendation of The Zone exhibition
  • 21 Jun 2022 - Online
    The Zone, Chernobyl
    TimeOut Mexico
  • 21 Aug 2018 - Television, Online, Video
    Newshub: Wellington artist recreates Last Supper
  • 20 May 2018 - Online, Newspaper
    ARCOlisboa 11 mil visitantes balanço “muito positi
    News article on Arco Lisboa
  • 20 Apr 2018 - Newspaper
    Museums Shake Things Up by Mixing Old and New
    New York Times article on Museums, Trans-historicity and the Rendez-Vous exhibition at the Frans Hals Museum
  • 20 Apr 2016 - Online
    Independent Brussel
    Review of Independent Brussels Art Fair
  • 18 Jun 2022 - Online
    GasTV
    THE ZONE, CHERNOBYL (2013-2020), DE RAÚL ORTEGA AYALA
  • 17 Feb 2019 - Online
    TOP 5 | ZONA MACO 2019
  • 16 May 2018 - Online, Newspaper
    Jovens galerias de arte ARCOlisboa
    ARCOlisboa Newspaper article in Portugal
  • 16 May 2018 - Newspaper
    Article on ARCO Lisboa in Portuguese Newspaper
  • 16 May 2017 - Newspaper, Online
    Sirve artista menú 'thought'
    Press coverage of solo exhibition Food for Thought at Proyectos Monclova, Mexico
  • 16 May 2017 - Online
    Food for thought: metáforas de la comida
    Interview and review of solo exhibition Food for Thought at Proyectos Monclova, Mexico
  • 16 May 2017 - Online
    ALIMENTO PARA LA MENTE
    Press coverage of solo exhibition Food for Thought at Proyectos Monclova, Mexico
  • 16 Mar 2013 - Online
    Even mooi als monsterlijk
    Review of 'Ja Natuurlijk' exhibition
  • 16 Feb 2018 - Newspaper, Online
    Opening, ocho años abriendo la puerta
  • 15 Mar 2013 - Online
    Eco-kunst tegen de onwetendheid
    Review of 'Ja Natuurlijk' exhibition
  • 15 Jun 2022 - Radio
    Un Chilango en Chernobyl
    Interview in Mexican Radio station Radio Ibero about the exhibition The Zone, Chernobyl (2013-2022) presented at Proyectos Monclova Gallery in Mexico City
  • 15 Jul 2022 - Online
    Local MX
    Las exposiciones de julio que no debes perderte en la ciudad
  • 14 Jul 2022 - Online
    Moi Mexico
    3 EXHIBICIONES GRATUITAS EN LA CIUDAD DE MÉXICO
  • 14 Jul 2013 - Online
    Muziek maken met zebravisjes
  • 13 May 2018 - Online
    Rendez-vous met Frans Hals (Museum)
    klaar voor de toekomst...
  • 13 May 2017 - Online
    Food for Thought: Proyectos Monclova Artdaily
    Press coverage of solo exhibition Food for Thought at Proyectos Monclova, Mexico
  • 13 Jun 2018 - Online
    A foodie's guide to Wellington On a Plate 2018
  • 13 Feb 2017 - Online
    Raúl Ortega Ayala, The Zone; Dürst Britt & Mayhew
    Online review of Exhibition The Zone
  • 12 May 2017 - Magazine
    Proyectos Monclova presenta Food for Thought
    Review of solo exhibition Food for Thought at Proyectos Monclova, Mexico
  • 12 May 2016 - Online
    Silent Light at Dürst Britt & Mayhew
    Review of 'Silent Light' exhibition
  • 11 May 2017 - Television, Online
    Escenas gastronómicamente grotescas
    Press coverage by Channel 22 (culture channel in Mexico) of solo exhibition Food for Thought at Proyectos Monclova, Mexico
  • 11 Jun 2020 - Radio
    Interview with Claudia Arozqueta for Latente
    (Spanish) Charlamos con Raúl Ortega Ayala sobre "The Zone", obra en video realizada en Chernobyl, y que ahonda en la relación entre el hombre, su entorno, la amnesia social colectiva y los detritos de
  • 09 May 2017 - Online
    Raúl Ortega Ayala critica polémicamente el consumo
    Review by VICE Creators of solo exhibition Food for Thought at Proyectos Monclova, Mexico
  • 09 Jul 2022 - Newspaper
    Milenio newspaper about The Zone, Chernobyl
  • 07 Sep 2012 - Online
    Interview with Beth Greenacre
  • 05 May 2017 - Online
    5 Cosas Para Hacer en Mayo en la Ciudad de México
    Brief review of the exhibition Food for Thought at Proyectos Monclova Gallery
  • 05 May 2017 - Television
    Food for thought, la comida sin hambre y sin deseo
    TV interview
  • 05 Jun 2017 - Online
    Food For Thought Raúl Ortega Ayala
    Press coverage of solo exhibition Food for Thought at Proyectos Monclova, Mexico
  • 05 Feb 2019 - Online
    Artists to Watch at Mexico City’s Zona Maco Fair
  • 04 May 2017 - Newspaper
    Sirve artista menú 'thought'
    La Voz del Puerto coverage of solo exhibition Food for Thought at Proyectos Monclova, Mexico
  • 04 Jul 2022 - Online
    10 exposiciones de arte en CDMX
  • 04 Apr 2014 - Online
    Der Tanz auf dem Vulkan
    Review of exhibition 'Macht.Wahn.Vision. Rapunzel & Co. Von Türmen und Menschen in der Kunst'
  • 03 Jun 2022 - Online
    L'Officiel Mexico
    Raúl Ortega Ayala presenta The Zone, Chernobyl
  • 03 Jun 2018 - Online
    Naar van Gogh
  • 03 Jul 2022 - Online
    Warp.la
    Cinco exposiciones imperdibles para el verano en la ciudad
  • 02 May 2017 - Online
    Agenda: Guias de galerias de Mayo
    Press coverage of solo exhibition Food for Thought at Proyectos Monclova, Mexico
  • 02 Jul 2018 - Online
    Urbis’ food pick: party on a plate
  • 01 Sep 2020 - Magazine
    From the Pit of Etcetera
    Feature in ArtNews New Zelaland
  • 01 Sep 2020 - Online
    Releasing Power: Atoms and Art
  • 01 Mar 2018 - Magazine
    Flash Art 47, Volume XIII, March-May 2018
    Czech and Slovak Edition, Feature section, “Umenie a technológie (na sklonku) antropocénu” by Damas Gruska, p. 48-51
  • 01 Jun 2018 - Online, Newspaper
    Echte Van Goghs, alleen net een beetje anders
  • 01 Jul 2022 - Online
    El Universal
    Cartelera de fin de semana
  • 01 Jul 2022 - Online
    ElTiempo.MX
    Ofertan entretenimiento en CDMX
  • 01 Jul 2020 - Online
    Vèf Jaah! at Dürst Britt & Mayhew
  • 01 Jul 2020 - Online
    Connecting Chernobyl, Mururoa and Rainbow Warrior
    Four Pripyat residents return to the deserted city over winter, discussing their memories of 26/4/86 and the catastrophe affected the lives of their families and friends. They walk through the snow-co
  • 01 Feb 2018 - Online
    10 galerías de arte contemporáneo q debes visitar
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