Martin Ramirez (1895 – 1963) created hundreds of drawings of remarkable visual clarity and expressive power within the confines of DeWitt State Hospital in northern California, where he resided the last 15 years of his life. Ramirez had been codified primarily as a “schizophrenic artist,” but the American Folk Art Museum exhibition goes beyond the boundaries of Ramirez’s diagnosis of mental illness and considers the artistic quality and merit of his artwork. In this way, Ramirez’s works are understood — and appreciated — for the complex, multilayered drawings that they are. Dr. Tomas Ybarra-Frausto, former associate director for creativity and culture at the Rockefeller Foundation, explains that the imagery of many American self-taught artists is held mainly in the “repertoire” — that is, the oral tradition. His talk explores how Martin Ramirez’s artwork has moved from the repertoire to the official archive. This event was held at the American Folk Art Museum.
Posted: November 6th, 2008
Martin Ramirez: The Archive and The Repertoire
3 Responses to “Martin Ramirez: The Archive and The Repertoire”
Leave a Reply
Please note that the THIRTEEN editorial staff reserves the right to not post comments it deems to be inappropriate and/or malicious in nature, as well as edit comments for length, clarity and fairness. No solicitations or advertisements will be allowed. Users may link to other Web sites relevant to discussion, but most often links to commercial Web sites will not be permitted.
Greetings!
I am in the mental health field. I desire information about Martin RamÃrez and how could I communicate with someone that would guide me in organizing an exhibition on his work.
I would quite appreciate any help.
Best regards,
Maria Ostheimer
714-235-5448
greetings! i would like to know if I can some how get a copy of tis vidieo. my childre are the greatgreatgrandchildren of Mr, Martin Ramirez. and i would like or them ot have this vidieo. I have one book and in the prosses of getting the otherone i found in your book section, if you can communicate with me regarding this I would appreciate it so much thank you. juanita fernandez
Sra Juanita llameme me gustaria hablar con usted sobre el Senor Martin Ramirez