Andre Ramos-Woodward: Black Snafu | Blue Sky, Oregon Center
BL!NG © Andre Ramos-Woodward
Written by Lauren Levesque
André Ramos-Woodard, a force of nature and comedic photographer, addresses the congested anti-Black racism deeply rooted in American society and country through his project BLACK SNAFU. The artist's work profoundly soaks up the concept that individuals can heal from deep wounds and trauma caused by racism. A critical essential theme that Mr. Ramos-Woodard expresses is acknowledging the backboard of history. With the ability and knowledge to critique the media's portrayal of Black individuals through stereotypical imagery, Ramos-Woodard takes an individualistic approach. In his mastery, he recreates illustrations of Black people found throughout the history of cartooning. He layers and meshes them with his photographs celebrating Black identity, inspired by his personal experiences. The exhibition will run from April 4th -27th 2024.
In the piece, Bl!ng, the combination of the cartoon shaded in with yellow teeth allows for the stereotypical idea of grills to come to mind; it is clear that Woodward is poking fun at the idea that African American individuals may or may not have a grill. The layering over the image with the yellow background and the spray paint Esq cartoon on top provides comic relief that hints at 80’s and 90’s fashion with the oversized bow tie attached.
Untitled (Amerikkkan Flag) © Andre Ramos-Woodward
When observing the piece Untitled (Amerikkkan Flag) many connotations come to mind. Having the tattered American flag with the cartoon drawings embedded within seems to be poking fun at the variety of individuals that are living in America. However, the background also invokes a prison context. The man standing behind the flag in an orange-like jumpsuit is a play on the prison system and the systemic racism that African American people face in America.
me © Andre Ramos-Woodward
The blurred oversized foot in this piece Me in the left corner, draws the viewer's attention when looking at this image. The image highlights the oversized foot, as it is in the perfect place to keep captivating the individual's attention. The sketch over the individual's face and the cartoon also take a photo, which shows the idea of a copycat being displayed here. Overall, it is amusing.
authenticity (2 CHAINZ) © Andre Ramos-Woodward
The captivating moment in this piece, Authenticity (2 CHAINZ) would be the hands in prayer position with the chain's cultural experience.’ It seems the artist is playing with words, as praying is a cultural aspect. The bright pink background is an excellent contrast to the jewelry wrapped around the individual's hands. In addition, the Mickey Mouse esq hand drawings that point to the cultural experience indicate that the artist wants viewers to look precisely there.
buds © Andre Ramos-Woodward
In the final piece Buds viewers can question the artist's meaning by having a cartoon point to their hair and say, ‘Nappy?’ The artist draws attention to the back of the individual's head, and his cartoon highlights the anti-blackness that seems to be embedded in today's society.
