Visual artist and content creator Raco Ruiz is gearing up to unveil his third solo exhibit, CLOWNRRY, at Secret Fresh this September 15 to 27. This latest collection promises to offer a blend of nostalgia and introspection, continuing Raco’s trend of blending pop culture with deeper emotional themes.

Building on the cereal mascots featured in his 2023 sold-out solo exhibit Surrealicious and his August 2024 merchandise collection with 0917, Raco now turns his attention to the iconic figure of the clown in his latest project, CLOWNRRY. While clowns are traditionally a symbol of laughter and joy, Raco uses them as profound symbols in his work to explore deeper emotional struggles and complexities. This thematic shift highlights a deeper commentary on mental health awareness and the universal nature of personal challenges.

“Clowns have always fascinated me,” Raco explains. “The colors, the faces, the costumes, and the juxtaposition of their public persona versus their personal reality have always drawn me in.” For the artist, clowns represent not only a personal fascination but also a broader commentary on the human condition. The exhibit title, CLOWNRRY, reflects a dual homage to beloved pop culture clowns and a self-reflective exploration of the ways in which we all embody aspects of clownery in our lives.

“This exhibit is a love letter to my favorite clowns and a self-portrait series,” he continues. “I want to humorously highlight how we’ve all, in some ways, grown up to be clowns ourselves. It’s not always a happy situation, but it’s a reality many of us face.”

Raco describes his creative process as a combination of clear vision and digital experimentation. “I start with a clear vision and message, then draft it digitally before transferring it onto the canvas.”  His commitment to the theme extends beyond the artwork. For this exhibit, he collaborated with designer Ha Mu on a clown outfit and with photographer Julia Richards for promotional materials. This approach reflects his belief in fully immersing oneself in a theme, even incorporating self-representation into the promotional aspects of the exhibit.

The artist also extends his heartfelt thanks to his management, NYMA, “NYMA has been with me since my second solo exhibit and has supported me through every show since.” Raco adds, “Their belief in my vision and their incredible help in bringing CLOWNRRY to life have been invaluable.”

While CLOWNRRY retains stylistic elements from Surrealicious, it introduces notable new aspects, including a variety of canvas shapes—round, square, and rectangular—as well as Raco’s largest painting to date, a six-foot piece. Additionally, the exhibit shifts focus from cartoon animals to human subjects, offering a more direct commentary on the human condition. Embracing imperfections, Raco notes, “I’m leaning into the flaws and imperfections of my art. It’s these imperfections that make art feel more human.”

So step right up, folks! Raco Ruiz’s exhibit is not merely a circus spectacle but a profound exploration of the human experience. CLOWNRRY invites viewers to peer behind the painted smiles and colorful costumes of clowns to reveal the complex, often hidden layers of humanity within. In the artist’s own words: “Clowns have evolved from mere symbols of joy to representations of our own flawed complexities. This exhibit is a dive into that wacky world of human condition, because, let’s face it, we are all clowns.”

Visit Secret Fresh from September 15 to 27 to experience Raco Ruiz’s latest artworks and reflect on the intricate dance between outward appearances and inner realities. With only 10 pieces on display, make sure to hurry—these playful works are sure to sell out quickly.

Special thanks to our sponsors Yellow Cab Pizza Co., PICKUP COFFEE, Red Bull, Vans, MOD Concepts & Rentals, and Print and Press, as well as our friends from Filipino Art and Lifestyle.INQ.