A celebration of the visionaries behind our Artist Series Patterns.
Each artist brings their unique creativity and new perspective - where art and architecture ignite new possibilities.
Renowned artist Virgil Ortiz
His pattern designs for Parasoleil
His latest exhibit, I AM (Indigenous Ancestral Memory)
ABOUT VIRGIL ORTIZ
Over the course of his four-decade career, Virgil Ortiz has pushed artistic boundaries and defied societal norms, working across diverse media. Immersed in a creative upbringing where storytelling, clay gathering, and wild plant harvesting were daily practices, Ortiz's artistry is deeply rooted in his heritage. His work remains profoundly influenced by his grandmother and mother, both celebrated Cochiti Pueblo potters, whose legacy continues to shape his bold, boundary-breaking creations.
“All of these patterns are inspired by my family's painted surface designs on our clay works.”
ABOUT VIRGIL'S PATTERNS
Each of Virgil's patterns holds deep meaning, inspired by his rich heritage and deeply personal experiences that shape his creative vision. His designs express his passion and serve a larger mission: to raise global awareness of the resilience and vibrancy of Pueblo communities. Through his work, he celebrates the enduring strength, brilliance, and energy that have defined these communities for generations.
Explore the Parasoleil Pattern Library!
CURRENT EXHIBITION
“I AM: Indigenous Ancestral Memory is an extraordinary experience—Virgil seamlessly merges tradition with technology, where Pueblo pottery meets immersive storytelling. It was an honor to design the obelisk for this visionary exhibition, introducing metal into a space rich with clay and textiles, bridging past and future through material and design.” – Tanner Flynn, CEO, Parasoleil
Join us in congratulating Virgil on his recent show at Hickory Museum of Art in Hickory, North Carolina. As part of this powerful exhibition, Parasoleil collaborated with Ortiz to design a striking obelisk featuring the V-Maze © pattern—a newly created pattern that reflects his signature fusion of tradition and innovation. This custom piece stands as a testament to storytelling through design, seamlessly connecting art, architecture, and history.
Ortiz expands his REVOLT 1680/2180 saga in this exhibition, drawing from the 1680 Pueblo Revolt—the most successful Indigenous uprising in North American history. Blending ancestral traditions with futuristic storytelling, he brings his vision to life through immersive projection, sound, augmented reality, and monumental pottery. At the heart of HMA’s showcase is Tahu, leader of the Blind Archers, a striking symbol of strength and resilience among the 19 character groups Ortiz has developed to represent the enduring Pueblo communities.
With works in museum collections worldwide, Ortiz continues to push the boundaries of contemporary Indigenous art, merging history, science fiction, and rebellion into an experience unlike any other.
ABOUT THE ARTIST SERIES PATTERNS
The Artist Series blends Parasoleil's mastery of pattern design and cutting-edge engineering with the creative visions of diverse artists. Together, we've made monumental art accessible through our innovative structural systems.
