Bony Ramirez

Bony Ramirez makes paintings that celebrate his Caribbean roots. Nature is a big part of that – as it was central to his childhood growing up in the Dominican Republic. Wildlife and greenery pop up regularly in his paintings. Plus, the figures he paints are close to nature too – they often go barefoot and their limbs are long, distorted and plant-like. Just like his inspirations, Ramirez paints from memory. Once he’s sketched out a design, he builds up colour with paints and pastels. Art history wise, the artist looks back to the 16th century Italian movement Mannerism. Like his own work, the Mannerist’s combined nature with humans, in bold, vibrant portraits.

Alongside celebrating the Dominican Republic, Ramirez also confronts the impact of colonialism. He represents violence through his repeated use of swords. In No Fue El Final (2020), a woman in a 16th century dress has a gory neck wound from a sword creeping into view. The symbolism shows the threat of danger that comes with being an immigrant in America. Both nostalgic and vital, Ramirez’s paintings act as a portal to the peace of his former home.