ARTIST STATEMENT/VMS

Renee Ramos is a 25 year old Puerto Rican artist whose work explores the mysterious nature of linoleum block relief printing. Her journey into printmaking began during her college studies, where she discovered a natural talent for the resistance and art of linoleum. This medium has since become the primary sorce for her visual narratives.

Renee’s work is heavily influenced by the art of Junji Itowith his work in manga horror. Channeling these elements, she focuses her practice exclusively on character creation to center the viewer's attention entirely on the figure. She utilizes the medium’s inherent high contrast to create pieces that are both unsettling and mesmerizing. The physical act of carving amd removing material on a linoleum block to reveal the image mirrors the psychological depth of her subjects and is allowing her to translate the anxiety and intricacy of horror manga into the bold, graphic tradition of printmaking.

Each print that she creates is an original piece. Absolutely no piece is the same. Each print is made by hand through a printing press.