Multidisciplinary artist Raco Ruiz presents his highly anticipated fourth solo show, NO WORRYS, opening July 27 at Secret Fresh Gallery. Building on the success of his 2024 exhibition CLOWNRRY, Ruiz deepens his artistic exploration through Razzl the Clown—his introspective alter-ego—now accompanied by a new companion: Dopa, a dopamine-seeking dalmatian.
Where CLOWNRRY introduced Razzl as part of a pop culture-inspired clown universe, NO WORRYS turns the spotlight inward. The exhibition follows Razzl through quiet battles with universal anxieties: creative burnout, self-doubt, and the isolating weight of performance—both literal and metaphorical.
“Razzl is pretty much a caricature of the anxious side of myself,” Ruiz confesses. “He’s introverted, secretly anxious most times, tries his best to be hopeful, and always aims to please.” This vulnerability transforms the gallery into a mirror, reflecting the unspoken struggles behind Ruiz’s public persona as a digital creator.
The artist acknowledges this deliberate contrast: “Being a comedic content creator and sort of a people pleaser myself, I’ve always been the type to slap on a happy face and go on with the show regardless of how I was feeling.” Through Razzl’s muted palette and subtle expressions, Ruiz visualizes the tension between outward performance and inner fragility.
Ruiz reveals the exhibition’s evolution: “I already wanted to do more Razzl pieces back in CLOWNRRY, but I could only finish so much at the time. So this time, I gave him a full show. It was scary, but I knew I wanted to do it.” The resulting 13 works mark a stylistic departure—where CLOWNRRY brimmed with pop art vibrancy, NO WORRYS embraces restrained melancholy, with Razzl navigating surreal landscapes of oversized pills and funhouse mirrors.
“The theme this year doesn’t revolve around more established clowns,” Ruiz clarifies. “Though it may allude to one or two, this time it’s all about Razzl and his own inner world.” This focus creates space for viewer interpretation—whether observers find the works whimsical, unsettling, or cathartic.
Ruiz’s hope for attendees is clear: “If they find the different versions of Razzl cute, creepy, fun, or relatable—I just want them to feel something that stays with them after the show. More importantly, I want them to feel like they’re not alone in their struggles. Some people are just better at hiding it. But there’s always hope at the end of the tunnel.”
NO WORRYS opens July 27 with a free public reception at 2PM featuring interactive installations, refreshments, and a chance to meet Ruiz. Given the limited collection, early attendance is recommended. The exhibition runs through August 8 at Ronac Art Center’s Secret Fresh Gallery in San Juan.
Key Details:
- Dates: July 27 – August 8, 2024
- Location: Secret Fresh Gallery, Ronac Art Center
- Opening Reception: July 27, 2PM (free admission)
- Featured Characters: Razzl the Clown & Dopa the Dalmatian
- Total Works: 13 original pieces
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