Bony Ramirez Exhibit “Cattleya” in The Newark Museum of Art
Bony Ramirez is a self-taught multimedia artist from the Dominican Republic who currently resides and works in New Jersey. His artwork explores the surreal aspects of Caribbean life, creating images that resonate with Caribbean and non-Caribbean audiences. Additionally, his work reflects Western European painting traditions, allowing for a critical examination of the colonial influences that continue to impact the Caribbean today.
His artwork's themes are prominently featured in his exhibition, "Cattleya," which marks his first solo showcase at the Newark Museum of Art and the fifth installment in the Global Contemporary Series. The name "Cattleya" is derived from the Cattleya orchids native to Central and South America, which Ramirez connects to the theme of colonialism. He focuses on historical portraiture, landscapes, and contemporary pieces, all presented in large installations. In these installations, he addresses the effects of tourism on the Caribbean.
The exhibition features striking mixed-media works that showcase Ramirez’s signature style—blending painted figures with sculptural elements, bold colors, and intricate patterns. His representations of elongated and stylized figures evoke the complexities of Caribbean identity, where themes of displacement, history, and resilience emerge. Through these works, Ramirez invites viewers to engage with the layered narratives of colonial legacy, migration, and the commercialization of Caribbean culture.
One powerful piece in "Cattleya" depicts a subject adorned in European-style garments yet surrounded by distinctly Caribbean motifs. This visual juxtaposition highlights the tension between cultural preservation and outside influences, reinforcing Ramirez’s ongoing exploration of how the past continues to shape the present.
The immersive nature of these installations allows visitors to experience the depth of Ramirez’s message firsthand. This offers a powerful perspective on how tourism often commodifies Caribbean culture while simultaneously erasing its deeper historical and social realities. One notable piece, “Caribe Tours,” illustrates individuals working in the Caribbean alongside tourists enjoying their time there. This artwork was created using various materials, including acrylic, soft oil pastel, colored pencil, wallpaper, plywood, a painted horse skull, and Bristol paper, all arranged on wood panels. It is the largest piece in the exhibit, measuring 80 by 320 inches.
By showcasing his work at the Newark Museum of Art, Ramirez gains a platform to share his artistic vision with a broader audience and sparks meaningful conversations about identity, heritage, and the enduring effects of colonialism in contemporary society. "Cattleya" celebrates Caribbean culture and a thought-provoking critique of its exploitation, solidifying Ramirez as a vital voice in the global contemporary art scene.
