Our March Artist of the month is the incredible Ale Rambar from Costa Rica. We love the topographic qualities and observations made in his stunning portraits.
Full name: Ale Rambar
Website: www.alerambar.com
Instagram:
"I create my paper art to talk about issues of tolerance for the environment in which we live, for the people who live in it and for our representations of love. It see it as an artistic exploration in favor of equality, love, respect and sexual diversity, expressed in works of art that seek to open spaces for conversation."
Where do you make your paper Art?
I currently have my studio at San José, Costa Rica, my native country. Its is very pink, since that is the color I use the most and the one that represent the most my current my style. Like every artist studio, once in a while it gets a little bit messy, but that’s just how the process works for me.
How long have you been working with paper?
Since I finished architecture, which was in 2013. Throughout my career as an architect I was struck by the beauty of topographic maps, their sinuosity and their ability to be transformed into three-dimensional elements. This became my artistic work, which is based on the topographic analysis of the human form through three dimensional compositions made with layers of paper.
How would you describe your approach to paper art?
I would say that my approach can be described as the union of a technological process with a very artistic one. I usually envision the piece in a very conceptual way, sketch it and draw it. After that I plan it's construction ahead and follow my “industrialized path” until the three dimensional composition is finished. After that I put on my artist hat once again and paint the piece with watercolors or pastel chalks.
Where do you find inspiration?
I create my paper art to talk about issues of tolerance for the environment in which we live, for the people who live in it and for our representations of love. It see it as an artistic exploration in favor of equality, love, respect and sexual diversity, expressed in works of art that seek to open spaces for conversation.
For me, the function of art is to change society and to bring attention to problems that are part of our daily lives. In my case, I use my art to open conversations about the experiences of all kinds of people in regards to their sexual identity, or the discrimination they have felt due to it. This is something that I really consider necessary for our society to advance together.
Describe your work to us in 3 words?
Humane, detailed and layered.
What are your favourite papers to work with?
The papers I have been using the most are from the brand Favini, from their Prisma line. They are made in Italy and the have a super huge range of colors and thicknesses. They are probably the best ones I have worked with so far.
What tool could you not live without?
My cutters! They are almost an extension of my hand and I've been working with them for so long that removing them from my practice would be like starting from zero.
What is the best thing about working with paper as a medium?
This might be odd, but I really like how clean and crisp the results are when you learn how to manipulate paper properly.
Who are your favourite paper artists?
I love how Ambe Noriko layers her papers, that really inspires me.
Rogan Brown’s compositions are just mind blowing, he became one of my favorites since I first met his work. I admire the dedication and the texture Lucha Rodriguez creates using only a sheet of paper and a blade.
What are you working on at the moment?
I don’t like to say much about what’s on the oven, but currently I am working a lot with painting and introducing new materials into my art. Let’s just say that you can see more of this on my social media!
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