Visual artist-director Raco Ruiz is no stranger to street culture. His art is filled with low-brow references to cartoons and ‘90s nostalgia, with most of his now-viral TikTok skits tinged with neon-colored street culture references.
This September, he is going all out on street-inspired art as he takes part in R Gallery’s latest exhibition “Neighborhood,” slated from September 6-17, 2022. Ruiz joins 23 other artists, among them Humbly, Carl Modelo, Baby Evil and Raise Hell.
Curated by Maia San Diego in collaboration with skate store Calle, this exhibition brings together local artists to show a fresh take on contemporary art. Through the exhibit, artists were given the chance to show their creativity using blank skateboard decks– a street culture staple– as their canvas. Contemporary artists also get to showcase paintings on regular canvas that fit the pop and street culture theme.
“Neighborhood” endeavors to be an out-of-the-box exhibition, as the R Gallery team envisioned a way to shake up the typical white cube execution through partnering with Calle. The result: a high-energy show reflecting the dynamism of street and pop culture, courtesy of local contemporary artists influenced by pop art.
If you plan to visit the exhibition and witness how these artists bring the streets into the gallery, San Diego suggests that you come on opening night on Sept. 6 as DJ Escapone from Monostereo will be performing a set and street food will be served.
R Gallery is one of the rising art spaces in Metro Manila. Founded in 2018, the gallery showcases art from both established and emerging artists in the contemporary scene.
R Gallery is located in 3F Marius Acropoli Bldg., 140 Katipunan Ave., St. Ignatius, Quezon City and is open Mondays to Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Raco Ruiz is a NYMA exclusive talent. He is best known for his TikTok Racoverse of comedic characters.
Having worked in various advertising agencies, Raco Ruiz has established his forte in directing upbeat, fun, and lively digital videos.
NYMA’s vision is to be the home of the best Filipino talents in the country and the world. The agency is one of eight brands under tradigital entertainment company KROMA.