Today we’d like to introduce you to Yuri Ortiz
Hi Yuri, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is Yuri Ortiz, also known as Yuskadd. I’m a transdisciplinary artist from Cuautla, Morelos, Mexico. For nearly seven years, I have been dedicated to collaborating with tattoo artists through a curatorial lens. It all started in 2018 on a trip to Paris where I met Maison Metamose, a multidisciplinary artist and tattooist whose work inspired me to explore the parallels between art history and contemporary tattooing. This encounter was so inspiring that I left my government job to manage Patrick Cat, an emerging tattoo artist from my hometown. Just a few months into our collaboration, we were invited by a U.S. tattoo studio, significantly boosting his international reputation. This success opened the door to opportunities with international tattoo studios in countries like Spain, France, Germany, and Mexico. Through years of meeting and exchanging ideas with tattoo artists worldwide, I have refined my curatorial vision and approach, recognizing the unique potential in each artist. Now, I focus on advising multidisciplinary artists who are interested in stepping into the world of tattooing. This also led to opportunities with other venues like ‘Misery and Co. Tattoo Collective’ in Salt Lake City, where I have participated in two exhibitions as both an artist and a curator, and continue to collaborate occasionally.
In addition to my curatorial job and my tattoo apprenticeship, in 2023, together with Patrick Cat, we founded Mixi Art Studio, located in Salt Lake City. It is a space where we both work on creating our own artistic work, while I also produce content for other tattoo artists who align with my curatorial approach. Beyond being our private studio, Mixi Art Studio also houses our private collection.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey has definitely been full of challenges, but each obstacle has contributed to shaping both my career and our vision at Mixi Art Studio. One of the main struggles has been finding the balance between staying true to our artistic mission and ensuring that our work attracts a diverse audience. At Mixi Art Studio, which I co-founded with Patrick Cat, we’re very intentional about selecting artists and artworks that align with our philosophy of transdisciplinary innovation. This involves curating pieces that challenge the traditional limits between fine art and tattooing, which can be a difficult balance to maintain, especially when considering market trends and audience expectations.
Another challenge has been managing time effectively between my curatorial work, my career as a transdisciplinary artist, and my tattoo apprenticeship, while also overseeing the daily operations of Mixi Art Studio. Balancing these roles requires a careful division of time and focus, as each responsibility demands a high level of dedication and creativity. My curatorial work involves not only selecting and collaborating with artists but also organizing exhibitions and events, while my artistic practice spans multiple mediums, from visual art to tattooing. Meanwhile, my tattoo apprenticeship is a demanding process, requiring both technical skill development and constant innovation. Coordinating all of this, along with maintaining our studio’s mission and growth, has been one of the most complex challenges I face regularly. However, these hurdles have also presented opportunities for growth, allowing us to refine our vision and continue expanding the frontiers of contemporary art and tattooing.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a transdisciplinary artist, and my work revolves around integrating fine art with tattooing. Over the past seven years, I’ve specialized in curating for tattoo artists and advising those from multidisciplinary backgrounds who are interested in stepping into the world of tattooing. My approach is built on the idea that tattooing should be seen as an extension of fine art, which allows me to bridge these two fields. This perspective has shaped both my curatorial vision and my work as a tattoo apprentice.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the creation of Mixi Art Studio in 2023, a space that I co-founded with Patrick Cat. It’s more than just a studio; it’s a platform where we can create our own artistic work and showcase the work of other artists who align with our vision. The studio also serves as a gallery for our private collection, which reflects the unique transdisciplinary focus we have cultivated over the years. This blend of art and tattooing is what truly sets us apart. We’re not just tattoo artists or curators—we’re innovators, always seeking to explore new territories in both fields.
What distinguishes my work is my dedication to fostering collaboration between artists from different disciplines. I believe that by breaking down the customary barriers between tattooing and fine art, we can create new forms of expression that are richer and more dynamic. At Mixi Art Studio, we focus on selecting artists who are interested in exploring these new possibilities and experimenting with fresh ideas. We want to create a space where they can feel free to explore tattooing not just as a craft, but as an evolving art form that has the potential to dialogue with more traditional mediums.
In summary, what sets me apart is my commitment to blending different artistic disciplines, particularly by integrating tattooing with fine art, and creating a platform where these forms of expression can coexist and thrive. This commitment is reflected in the work we do at Mixi Art Studio, and it’s what continues to drive our mission forward.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Absolutely! Books are a cornerstone for my personal and professional growth. If you’re interested in exploring the art of curating, I highly recommend Adrian George’s “The Curator’s Handbook” as an excellent starting point. To delve deeper into the philosophical and historical contexts of art, Larry Shiner’s “The Invention of Art” complements it beautifully. For those fascinated by tattoo art through different eras, “Full Coverage” by Adrian Lee is currently on my reading list and offers a thorough insight into tattooing. These readings have enriched my understanding significantly, and I encourage you to explore them to enhance your perspectives as well.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mixi.art.studio/
Image Credits
Images by Yuskadd
