Martin Ramirez The Last Works at RICCO MARESCA

James Kalm is pleased to bring viewers this gem of an exhibition, Marin Ramirez The Last Works. Few other Outsider artists have had the attraction and influence on contemporary artists as Ramirez. After emigrating from Mexico he fell on hard times and was committed to the DeWitt State Hospital under the care of Dr. Pasto. He remained there for the last three decades of his life. With his doctors help, Ramirez savaged paper and pencils to create one of the grandest legacies in art. His drawings were discovered by Chicago painter Jim Nutt in 1968 while he and Dr. Pasto were teaching at Sacramento State. Nutt brought the work to the attention of his dealer Phyllis Kind. Ramirez has since been hailed as a master draftsman and prime example of Art Brut.

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[claureic]

Thanks James for this video which made me discover a master draftsman indeed. I wonder if Dubuffet had any knowledge of his existence. I read a book called "Dubuffet and the Art Brut" and I do not recall that Martin Ramirez was mentioned. There is a drawing of a peasant on a yellow horse that is really "Dubuffet-like", if such comparisons are worth anything...

[jameskalm]

claureic,

The Dubuffet book is great, but it does point out his attitude of propriety regarding the use of the designation Art Brut. Once Art Brute was accepted by the mainstream other derivations began to appear. The American version was called Outsider Art or Folk Art and Ramirez is certainly in the top five. Theres a great article on Ramirez in the New York Sun, Sep. 29, 2008 by Kate Taylor

[claureic]

Interesting article. The heirs seem to have waken up somewhat late to their grandfather's artistic talent...

[jameskalm]

Even a small slice of $20 million is a nice piece of change.

[claureic]

It could buy you a Guston drawing. That is what I would do with the money if I were them...

[jameskalm]

I'd be buying all the grandkids pencils and paper and changing their names to Martin.

[agitronz]

the strand has his book fairly cheap right now, hi james!!

[artsyone1]

I couldn't make it to the gallery when I was in New York. Thanks James!

[LawrenceCharlesMille]

Great. A resource. Those with nothing left to lose or gain. Aesthetic of necessity. Teachers. Thank you James Kalm.

[jameslour]

Absolutely wonderful.

[claureic]

Maybe they already had the idea...

[McCainTheTurdburglar]

Kinda sucks he never saw a dime of the millions his work has generated since his death.

[MrWowforever]

great coverage,thanks mr. kalm