Today we’d like to introduce you to Oscar Alfredo Ramirez.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am a 19 year old visual artist with a practice in painting and textiles. I grew up in South Central L.A. and have always shown a particular affinity for visual arts. Luckily, I had a supportive network of friends and family who constantly encouraged and appreciated my practices. My older sister, Jocelyn, has always been my biggest supporter in all aspects of my life. I truly believe that without her, I would not have been as successful as I am today in life. She has guided me through every stage of my life, and I am so grateful to her. Growing up, I have always expressed a craftier side to me and Jocelyn was the one who helped cultivate it. I have so many fond memories of being a lot younger and doing so many drawings and makeshift craft projects all with the intention to give them to my sister. With each thing, I gave her my excitement grew because she made me feel like I was so skilled and that she was so honored to receive my drawing of a cow. And to this day she has still kept all my childhood drawings. My work focuses on self- portraiture and all aspects of my being while also borrowing iconography from my childhood.
I was fortunate enough to be able to attend Ramon C. Cortines School of the Visual and Performing Arts where I was given the opportunity to grow and find my creative voice as a painter. My teacher Ms. McManus was a pivotal figure in my development as an artist and in the beginnings of starting my journey. My senior year of high school, I earned myself an internship with the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in DownTown L.A. as a MOCA Teen. Working with MOCA and other talented artists opened my eyes to so many possibilities and truly helped me set my foot into experiencing what the gallery aspect of art felt like. With my fellow MOCA Teens we planned MOCA Teen Night 2018 and it was a beautiful experience curated to the teenage communities in Los Angeles. The connections I built with the MOCA Teens and MOCA are so endearing and truly mean a lot to me, my fellow teens inspired me constantly. Soon after graduating high school, I took up an internship with the Gagosian Gallery in Beverly Hills. There I was exposed to a much different environment and was given the opportunity to connect to so many individuals who all offered me wisdom and support.
Now in my journey, I am currently attending the California College of Arts in San Francisco and am in my third year. I am majoring in Painting and Drawing, and it has been an adventure of self- discovery and acceptance. I have met amazing artists and friends who always push me to be better and the professors have been amazing. I was also hired at the DeYoung museum for their Frida Kahlo Community Representative position. Now I am just working on myself and my work to prepare for the future.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been waves of lows and highs all mostly pertaining to my self- perception. When being creative a lot of the time, we can face the fear of not being good enough and feeling insecure in the work we produce. These feelings can sometimes be amplified when being an environment such as an art school when you are surrounded by other talented and driven people. At first, these feelings were stunting my growth and performance as an artist and creator, but I soon realized I had to focus less on others and truly just worry about myself and my work. The thoughts of not being capable enough to achieve the work I wanted to was doing nothing but holding me back. I also struggle a lot with my own self- image and perception of my own physical body. I have always struggled with accepting my body and even understanding what my body truly looks like. Through my art practice though I have found a way to explore and understand the physical aspects of myself, and I have done this through the use of self- portraiture. Trying to understand as a character outside of myself. Through my art, I am able to give myself or put myself anywhere or anything.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am a full-time student and artist. My main focus has been showcasing my work at galleries and selling commission pieces. Along with that, I have been trying my best to build relationships with galleries and institutions to help grow myself and spread my opportunities. Right now, I am working on myself and my work. Trying to get recognition and build an audience! I am so excited for the future.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
My proudest moment has been being able to attend college for art and having that opportunity. With my work, I was awarded a full-ride scholarship to attend as a Painting and Drawing major. The feeling of relief and pride that flooded me when I realized I would be able to afford to attend school for what I love was euphoric. And I’ll never be able to forget being able to tell my immigrant parents the news that I would be able to attend school for my passion. That everything they did for me wasn’t for nothing. I’m glad they were proud of me.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oosk.y/
Image Credit:
Personal Photo: Pierce Amadeus; All other work: Oscar Alfredo Ramirez
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