by Ella Johnson

PHOTOS: Marcus Sabah

Central Saint Martins graduate Victoria Ruiz, utilizes a variety of her multidisciplinary talents to create work that reflects on politics, culture, and predominantly her Venezuelan roots. All captured within shades of bright reds, oranges, and greens- far from mild to the eye. Nevertheless, be careful not to let the eye-catching colors of her work distract from the meaning behind these dynamic creations. From Ray Bradbury (Something Wicked This Way Comes) to Steven King (Joyland), all true horror finds its home at the carnival- Victoria Ruiz takes her spin, instead proposing flowers, teddy bears, and vibrant colors, but not in the cheery way you probably imagined. “El Carnaval Que No Pasó”-The Carnival that Never Happened, is a vibrantly-colored yet eerie interpretation of the Venezuelan crisis, a subject very close to home for her. Over the past decade, millions have been affected by the tumultuous political-economic state in Venezuela. Through these playful yet dark motifs, she reminisces on the theme of what could've been, and broken promises made to the upcoming generations. Ruiz uses her work to critique the government and comment on this volatile state.

A series of striking figures in sharp primary hues camouflage dark narrative undertones, a crystal emblazoned devil, severed teddy bear heads, dark hooded figures- all captured in front of bright green and red backdrops. Each character in the piece holds its symbolic relationship to the Venezuelan crisis, the Venezuelan flag representing the country as a whole, the soldier representing violence, and the devil. By creating surrealist images, Victoria Ruiz draws attention to real-life problems, furthering the theme of “El Carnaval Que No Pasó”, and highlighting those affected by the Venezuelan crisis.

Her most eye-catching pieces however are the “Toetero” (gunfire) suits- best shown not in photographs but in a 15-second Instagram clip. These striking head-to-toe suits are adorned with 18-inch spikes. Through the movement choreography of Joe Grey Adams, these pieces appear as fiery explosions of color.

Ruiz’s flamboyant and provocative pieces have caught the attention of Vogue Brazil (worn by Sabrino Sato), AnOther Magazine, and PhotoVogue alike. Additionally “El Carnaval Que No Pasó”, her graduate collection, earned a display at the Central Saint Martins Lethaby gallery.

ARTIST LINKS: https://www.vic-toriaruiz.com/works     https://www.instagram.com/vic.toriaruiz/