Arte o Muerte: The Art of Rafael Serrano

Let me preface this post by saying that I have the distinct honor to collaborate with some of the most amazing artists in our community thru my work at Sofrito Media Group, Capicu Culture, La SoPA NYC and this website.

You will learn about all the great work “Serrano” has done and see a gallery of his work here… but I want to add that he was the first artist in recorded history to paint a mural live during the Puerto Rican Day Parade in NYC as it made it’s way down 5th Ave this past June in the Capicu Culture Float. The painting was a protest piece addressing environmental concerns in our community regarding the proposed trash incinerator slated to be built in Arecibo.

Ralph and the collective he paints with (ArtCultureNYC) are committed to art for the sake of transforming non traditional spaces into beautiful works of art and change.

Can I get a vaya?

Remember Latino Heritage Month Is Every Month!

George Torres

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Ralph Serrano, born and raised in Puerto Rico, currently resides in New York City. His innate affinity for art was evident from the moment he was able to grasp a pencil, with his early childhood doodles being a clear indication of his profound talent.

Initially self-taught, Ralph’s formative years as an artist were inspired by his curiosity of the world around him. His appreciation for art in various forms, including music and photography, combined with a love of the feminine form and images portraying the innocence of children, were an integral part of his development and greatly influenced his versatility. His formal studies include Advanced Illustration and Visual Alchemy at the School of Visual Arts.

Ralph’s talent, dedication and work ethic have led him to paint live portraits for R&B singers Brandi and Fantasia at exclusive tributary events.This charismatic artist has also participated in countless art shows, live painting and related showcases around New York City, such as Club W.I.P., Sapphire Lounge, White Rabbit Lounge, Greenhouse NYC ,The New Collage, El Barrio Pinta at Camaradas El Barrio,various collective art shows at Village Lantern, Green Point Gallery, Harlem Wine Gallery, Capicu Culture and Rebar/ “60 The Collective”.

This multi-faceted artist is also the creator of “Tribal Beauties”, a traveling show of human canvases exhibiting culturally exotic body art in a vast array of styles. A veritable master of body painting, he is highly sought after for photo shoots and private parties.

Ralph not only pleases the masses with his artistic talent, he is also generous with his time and his skills. He is always willing to teach anyone interested in learning how to paint, but his main contribution is as an art mentor with the non-profit organization “Off the Wall Graffiti”, which provides a safe and nurturing environment to youth interested in artistic expression with the purpose of keeping them off the streets and out of trouble.

In 2014, Ralph Serrano was invited to participate in the internationally renowned art festival Art Basel Miami where he worked in collaboration with other artists on two walls; one in Wynwood and another one which will remain as a permanent display at the Semilla Eatery & Bar in Miami Beach.