Abigail Ramirez and the "To Be Honest" Exhibit
Abigail Ramirez. Photo by Mikayla Lewis.
Abigail Ramirez is a 23-year-old Chaffey College photography major whose work is being featured in “To Be Honest.”
To Be Honest is a photo exhibition that pulls together the works of the Fine Arts class. Held in Pomona at Progress Gallery, To Be Honest combines both digital and analog photography. The exhibit runs from December 1 to December 14.
“It’s photographers exploring their version of the truth, whether that’s their truth or what they’re photographing,” says Ramirez.
When asked about the vision behind her works, she replied:
“I do a lot of portraits, a lot of conceptual art. I really try to think of concepts that everyone can relate to, because I always like to spark a reaction with the audience. I like to break that barrier between the photographer and the audience, and not give a direct meaning but open it up for interpretation. Everyone’s going to feel something different based on their experiences,”
Certainly aiming to embody this, Ramirez’s work for To Be Honest, entitled Passenger, is of an outstretched arm clutching a compact mirror. However, instead of the model’s printed reflection, Ramirez chose to insert a custom mirror so that viewers can insert themselves into the work.
“There is text that reads ‘The object in this mirror is stronger than they appear,’ which is in the same font as the text on the passenger side mirror,” Ramirez explained. “When I was driving, I realized the text was only on the passenger side, which is how I got the name for my piece. I feel like the audience, for this piece, are the passenger. Because they’re the ones looking at themselves in the mirror. This message is for them,”
When asked if she faces self doubt in her work Ramirez replied:
“Yes, but it’s based in my environment. When I’m in my own environment shooting, I have full control over it. But when I let someone else into my space, and have to accommodate to their needs and wants, I tend to panic a little bit. But I’m learning, and looking forward to collaborating with other artists.”
Ramirez’s goal after graduation is to one day open her own photography studio, optimally in Pomona. There, she hopes to combine her work with her brand, La Fea Duckling.
“I really want to open a place where I can photograph my clients, as well as renting it out to other creatives for their needs,” says Ramirez. “And not just photographers, but any artist. I want to be able to have a space where basically anyone can have painting classes, if that’s what they want to do. Just, a creator’s space. That’s the end goal.”
The closing reception for To Be Honest is Saturday, December 14 from 6 - 9 pm at Progress Gallery in Pomona.
More of Ramirez's work can be found on her Instagram or Twitter, @lafeaduckling.