Born in 1980, in Havana, Cuba, Ortega’s images of birds and animals refer to growing up with his grandmother in the Cuban countryside. After studying law for five years, Ortega changed directions and pursued a career as an artist. Today, he teaches printmaking at the Instituto de Artes Superior in Havana. His work is exhibited widely, and Tamarind was pleased that he was able to do a residency at Tamarind in February 2015.