Juan Ramos: Interview

I recently returned from the San Juan Trienal de Poli/Graphica in San Juan Puerto Rico. While there I had the chance to meet with and interview several artists about the work they exhibited at the Trienal.

What's the narrative behind the work you have here at the Trienal?
Well, I don’t use any linear narrative. The pieces that have the text have more narrative but it’s one story. It’s different personal views all in one context. The other ones without the words kind of work the same way because you see individuals in different places but in the same parameters, being in that place, a certain age group…and again there is no linear narrative. The text isn’t made up. It’s almost documentary so it’s stuff I overhear. I know most of the people I draw and write about but not all.

How do you describe the use of non-objective space in your work (i.e. balance, visual weight, emphasis, composition, etc)?
The formal space in the imagery is about the tension between the really flat figures and the photographic background in the digital prints. They are portraits in style, so visually they are going to be balanced in the middle. Formally I am interested in the contrast between the photo and the handmade drawing.

In the text drawings, the focus is the figure and the text is in the background.
I like comic books. Love and Rockets is one I look at. I thought how would I do something like this if it were me? I am very photo-based, so even the figures are going to be based on that on some kind of photographic reality. But again, I prefer the documentary as opposed to the narrative. Life is nonlinear and I like that. Generally it all adds up to a kind of community experience or portrait.

What is it that really gets on your nerves about the art world?
I don’t know I think the art world is so wide open it is a free for all. I am usually going to see something that doesn’t interest me. I either personally find it interesting or it doesn’t interest me. If someone is making art to shock that is gimmicky. It has been done so many times and I am not interested in that kind of thing.‡