Merlin Ramos

Merlin Ramos is interested in the observed space as the primary point of contact with the world. Once he has chosen the image, the place is open to spatial possibilities/explorations. What are the questions we ask ourselves when we see a bus stop for example. What does that particular place hold for you? For the next person it may be the first and last thing they see when they wake up and before they get home from work, whereas you or I may just pass by. Therefore, the study and production of work from the everyday can be a kind of reverential nod to the nuances of our exteriors and an investigation into what makes our spaces personal to us. The world viewed in this way becomes a place where the rules and norms are upside down, the aerials on houses can join the street or a bandstand may have a bookcase and bathtub inside it. The associations we make become the tools for exploration and lead the imagery.

The direct manner in which the paintings are executed reveals the process, exposes the workings and celebrates the very action of painting. The construction of space (exterior or interior) becomes a playful experience that could be considered architecture. The sketchbooks he produces are part of the development of this process. ...

Education

2009-2010 – Artist in residence at The Prince’s drawing School, The Tea Building London

2008-9 – The Drawing Year, The Prince’s Drawing School

2004-2007 – Falmouth College of Arts, Cornwall; Fine Art; Ba (Hons)

Selected Exhibitions

2 man shows

August 2011 – Stop Look Listen, Cob Gallery, Camden

April 2007 – “Daydream Select,” Studio 33, Carnaby St., London

May 2004 – Grande Café colonial, Bilbao Metro, Madrid

Sept 2004 – 9 Raglan Road, Dublin 4

Group Exhibitions:

October 2013 – Strarta Art Fair, Representing Fad Conteporary, Saatchi Gallery, Chelsea

August 2013 – ‘Shot’ Kristin Hjellegerde’s Arteco Gallery, Wandsworth

August 2011 – ‘Stop Look Listen’ , Cob Gallery Camden

Nov 2009 – North Louth Painters, Guest Artist

Sept 2010 – “New Paintings,” The Light, Shoreditch high Street

July 2009 – Flatlake Arts Festival , Northern Ireland

July 2009 – “Colourists,” Queen’s Elm Artist’s, Chelsea, London

Feb 2009 – “Merged,” Shoreditch Town Hall, London

June 2007 – 35a Gallery, Brighton

May 2007 – “What next ?!” Zed shed, Penryn

Sept 2006 – Riding for the disabled, Charity Auction, Christie’s, London

June 2006 – “Cornwall Contemporary,” Demelza’s, Falmouth

July 2006 – Falmouth Art Centre, Falmouth