Get ready to dive into a world of colorful chaos and introspective artistry as visual artist and content creator Raco Ruiz mounts his third solo exhibit, CLOWNRRY, at Secret Fresh from September 15 to 27. Known for blending pop culture with emotional depth, Raco’s newest collection offers a fresh twist on his signature style, promising an experience that’s both nostalgic and deeply reflective.
Following the success of his 2023 sold-out exhibit Surrealicious, which featured cereal mascots, and his August 2024 merchandise collaboration with 0917, Raco’s latest project, CLOWNRRY, takes a different direction. This time, he focuses on the iconic figure of the clown, using it as a profound symbol to explore emotional struggles and complexities. While clowns are often seen as symbols of joy and laughter, Raco sees them as representative of deeper mental health themes and the universal challenges we all face.
“Clowns have always fascinated me,” Raco explains. “Their colors, faces, and costumes — and the contrast between their public persona and personal reality — have always drawn me in.” In CLOWNRRY, clowns serve not only as a personal fascination but also as a commentary on the human condition. The exhibit’s title pays homage to both beloved pop culture clowns and a self-reflective exploration of how we all embody aspects of “clownery” in our lives.
“This exhibit is a love letter to my favorite clowns and also a self-portrait series,” he continues. “I want to humorously highlight how we’ve all, in some ways, grown up to be clowns ourselves. It’s not always a happy situation, but it’s a reality many of us face.”
Raco describes his creative process as a balance between a clear vision and digital experimentation. “I start with a clear idea and message, draft it digitally, and then bring it to life on canvas.” His commitment to the theme goes beyond the art itself; he collaborated with designer Ha Mu on a custom clown outfit and worked with photographer Julia Richards on promotional materials, fully immersing himself in the concept.
Raco also expresses gratitude to his management team at NYMA, saying, “NYMA has been with me since my second solo exhibit and has supported me through every show since. Their belief in my vision and help in bringing CLOWNRRY to life have been invaluable.”
While CLOWNRRY retains some of the stylistic elements from Surrealicious, it introduces new dimensions, such as a variety of canvas shapes—round, square, and rectangular—and features Raco’s largest painting to date, a six-foot masterpiece. The exhibit also shifts focus from cartoon animals to human subjects, offering a more direct commentary on the human condition. “I’m embracing the flaws and imperfections of my art,” Raco notes. “It’s these imperfections that make art feel more human.”
So, step right up! Raco Ruiz’s exhibit isn’t just another spectacle; it’s a thought-provoking exploration of the human experience. CLOWNRRY invites viewers to look beyond the painted smiles and colorful costumes of clowns to uncover the hidden layers of humanity beneath. As Raco puts it, “Clowns have evolved from mere symbols of joy to representations of our own flawed complexities. This exhibit dives into that wacky world of the human condition because, let’s face it, we are all clowns.”
Catch CLOWNRRY at Secret Fresh from September 15 to 27 and experience Raco Ruiz’s latest artworks that challenge the intricate dance between outward appearances and inner realities. With only 10 pieces on display, make sure to visit early — these unique pieces are sure to sell out fast!
Special thanks to our sponsors Yellow Cab Pizza Co., PICKUP COFFEE, Red Bull, Vans, MOD Concepts & Rentals, Print and Press, and our friends at Filipino Art and Lifestyle.INQ.
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