Ram De Verdera
Artist Reception
April 6, 2024 | 4 PM
Space Encounters Gallery
Unit 7D, 7th Floor, Padilla Building, F. Ortigas Jr. Road, Ortigas Centre, 1605 Pasig
There’s a particular kind of calm that permeates Ram De Verdera’s art. Sure it’s an anthropomorphic ram in various states of being but there’s a quiet thoughtfulness to it. It’s as if we as the viewers have something to learn from him.
In De Verdera’s solo exhibition, Find Your North Star, he explores life as if it’s a wilderness filled with challenges but also with unconfined beauty. There’s a sense of freedom to his works, a Walden-esque “I went to the woods to live deliberately” abandon. In what could be the defining piece, titled “Self-awareness,” the Ram ponders over his reflection on the water, kneeling by a riverbank, the moon illuminating the surrounding forest. It’s the stillness that draws you in. The literal self-reflection is clever but by framing just the eyes on the water, you get a sense of “seeing” and existing. In “Who Cares for You, Who They Care for,” the Ram attentively watches a family of ducks. The title hints at survival but also how we are responsible for each other. “We Can’t Live Without Pollinator” is an ode to the bees and continues the theme of survival and how we should live mindfully.
Find Your North Star’s narrative is clear: Caring for your world is self-care. In a time filled with distractions and technology, Ram De Verdera brings us back to the bare necessities and tells us to exist with kindness.
Ram De Verdera, a visual artist from Bacoor, Cavite, Philippines, navigates the realms of tattooing, graphic design, and street art. Known for his distinct sheep-like figures with exaggerated curled horns, he’s a guiding force in the New Contemporary Art movement. His work weaves words of wisdom, cultural heritage, and surrealism into intricate landscapes, urging viewers to embrace positivity, integrity, and mindful living amidst life’s complexities. In a world clouded by despair, Verdera’s art offers solace and hope.
