Jason Ramos

Lives and works in Los Angeles, CA, USA

Artist statement

In my current practice, I have been expanding upon the vocabulary of concepts relating to vanitas. This has taken the form of works where traditional art historical references and formats are juxtaposed with contemporary references that speak to the temporal nature of existence, the inevitability of death, and the “unlived” time spent in a disassociated digital realm. Earlier work was inspired by a particular notion within the pro wrestling / sports entertainment industry known as kayfabe. Defined as “…the portrayal of staged events within the industry as “real” or “true”, specifically the portrayal of competition, rivalries, and relationships between participants as being genuine and not of a staged or predetermined nature of any kind.” A variant of this concept has corrupted the current political and cultural climate, as conspiracy theories are insisted and acted upon and social media “influencers” present fake real lives. This work evolved into a brief drawing and painting practice I describe as critical, post-cubist, anonymous (self) portraits of men.

Artwork