Paintings from Exile
June 2006
Baptism, 2006, oil on canvas, 12 x 12 inches
"Paintings from Exile" is a collection of small figurative works by Oakland based artist Michele Ramirez. Her works are primarily observations, studies and comments on daily life, the human form, and all of its infinite possibilities. Her simple, fleshy brushstrokes, gestural and thick, bear the weight of her compositions. The use of intense color and pure pigments tie the form to emotion. Captivated by the geometric structures that formed the relatively empty landscape of her youth, she uses elements of abstraction and formal structure to lend ambiguity in the implied narrative of each piece. It is apparent in her work that she intends to leave the story to the viewer.
Ramirez' art and work ethic combined are inspired by the rural farming community to which she was born, as a third generation Mexican American. Her grandparents both grew and harvested the crops of California’Äôs Central Valley. She is the unexpected artist and has lived her life contrary to the expectations of others.
Michele Ramirez recently exhibited at the artSFest 2006 Spectra Ball in San Francisco and the Corazon Del Pueblo Gallery in Oakland. Numerous exhibitions over her career have included Mission Cultural Center's Solo
Mujeres, Venge Vineyards in St. Helena, Sanchez Art Center in Pacifica, Ardency and ProArts in Oakland, and her works are in the permanent collections of Kaiser Permanente, Envirotrans Solutions, and the County of Alameda.
artist's website: micheleramirez.com