Buen Dia Mi Gente!!

“Pa’lante, Siempre Pa’lante” which means “Forward, Always Forward!”

– Bobbito Ross

Bienvenido, today I will be talking about what has inspired me as an artist and where I will interview other artists, art students, and people involved in the art & entertainment  world and who are community activist in the coming months. I am always touched and empowered by the stories of artists and powerful people in the art world and I wanted to use this opportunity to get to know what inspires others.

I wanted to give credit to a few of the artists that have really impacted and inspired me. I started my interviews with my dearest friends and fellow Boricuas, Ponce Solo, Jessica Flores & Iris Toro. Today, I want to introduce you to mi hermano y amigo, Bobbito Ross.

Bobbito Ross, also known as, Layzor Ghunnzz is an artist from Jamaica Queens, New York that brings an unique blend of culture, creativity, and spontaneity to his work. Ross, who goes by an English surname, actually is of Borikén descent and implements not only his Puerto Rican roots to his work but elements of NYC life, pop culture, and politics.

His work for the past years have used revealing aspects of our Puerto Rican history, which have a profound impact on our contemporary culture today. In the current climate where many believe history has no relevance, I find myself continually returning to those aspects that are often hidden or misrepresented in the “official” recordings for posterity.

While, growing up in his hometown of Jamaica, Queens his affair with art began while watching cartoons and having exposure to graffiti artwork on the elevated NYC Subway Trains. However, this was just the early foundation to Bobbito’s career as an artist. Even though, he was already a skilled artist at an early age he still expanded his knowledge of art while attending Hillcrest High school.

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Bobbito’s work takes on various forms intended to draw in the viewer as co-author and witness, create new and unpredictable cycles of thoughts and associations, providing an experimental chance to challenge one’s perceptions, perspectives and assumptions.

“Pa’lante, Siempre Pa’lante! That’s all I gotta say.” 💪🏾👑🔫💥💥💥 #BOBBITOROSS

Then, after graduating from high school he attended The Fashion Institute of Technology for Advertising design in NYC to further his education. Furthermore, post his formative and college years, Bobbito Ross started to work on his art extensively not only in New York City’s scenic landscape but also in the comfort of his own home. His work embeds a blend of expressive and polished elements that can be seen in his free-styled pieces as well as his commissioned work.

I feel that Bobbito’s artwork takes a critical view of social, political and cultural issues.  Often referencing our native Taino history, his work explores the varying relationships between popular culture and fine art. Having engaged subjects as diverse as the civil rights movements his work reproduces familiar visual and aural signs, arranging them into new conceptually layered installations.

“It’s BIGGER Than Me.” – Bobbito Ross

While he uses a variety of materials and processes in each project his methodology is consistent. Although there may not always be material similarities between the different projects they are linked by recurring formal concerns and through the subject matter.

The subject matter of each body of work determines the materials and the forms of the work.  Each project often consists of multiple works, often in a range of different media, grouped around specific themes and meanings.  During research and production new areas of interest arise and lead to the next body of work.

In addition, Ross’s work has already been shown through media platforms and personalities such as Pinta por la Patria, Nuestro Ideal and Together We Rise PR. Which were all fundraisers for the relief efforts for the Island of Borikén after the island was hit with catastrophic hurricanes that decimated the Island. However, this is just the beginning as Ross plans to navigate through the art world and bring his work to an even larger audience. One interesting thing about Bobbito is that he is not just an artist but he is also a Music Producer and an Emcee and these two artistic platforms is where you can catch him at when he is not doing his artwork.

“Thank you to All who purchased this design. It started with an idea I did for myself and from there it manifested into another and another and another. If anyone is interested in purchasing the T-shirt just DM.” 🙌🏾🙏🏽💪🏾🔫💥💥💥 Art work by @bobbitoross #WUPALANTE

Gracias for reading this article about my dear friend and fellow Taino, Bobbito Ross. Please be sure to check out his Instagram to check out more of his creations and also his email is provided below for more info if you’re interested in networking.

Contact:

 

Email: bobbitoross@hotmail.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bobbitoross/

 

Muchos Gracias!