NICE TO MEET YOU

Who is Monica Ramirez

I am originally from Veracruz, Mexico, and my painting style is a dynamic, evolving fusion of surrealism and figurative abstraction. My primary inspiration is the human body, which I see as the most powerful expression of the soul. Through layered compositions and mixed media—including oils and acrylics—I explore emotional states, inner worlds, and spiritual dimensions.

My work is deeply intuitive and channeled. I create contemporary spiritual paintings, incorporating rich textures such as gold and silver leaf, coffee grounds, plaster of Paris, and other materials that add depth, symbolism, and complexity to each piece.

I began painting at the age of six, and my first exhibition took place when I was thirteen. Throughout my life, I have studied under many art teachers, with my mother being my first and most influential mentor. During my formal education, I studied visual marketing, where I developed strong technical skills and an understanding of visual communication.

In 1998, I moved to the United States and began exhibiting with the Upper Valley Art League in McAllen, Texas, where I was honored as Artist of the Month in April 2000.

My work has been exhibited in museums, galleries, universities, and cultural centers throughout Mexico, the United States, and Europe. In Mexico, my exhibitions include Mexico City (D.F.), Guadalajara, Monterrey, San Cristóbal, Ensenada, and Tecate. In the United States, I have exhibited across Texas—including Dallas, the Rio Grande Valley, Harlingen, San Benito, San Antonio, and Austin—as well as in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Phoenix, and New York. Internationally, I have participated in exhibitions and biennials in Paris, Barcelona, Rome, Bari, Venice, Palermo, Ireland, and other European cities. I have also presented solo exhibitions in Mexico City.

In addition to visual art, I have a deep passion for live painting and poetry, blending movement, words, and creation into immersive experiences.

I am also a published author, with two books to my name, and a contributing writer to multiple collaborative publications that explore art, spirituality, and transformation. My written work extends my visual practice, offering another medium through which I explore healing, identity, and the human experience.

I have been actively involved in numerous art organizations and collectives, including Talento Hispano, Art Awakenings, Pintoras Mexicanas, Latin Contemporary Artists, NAFIA, and the Burbank Art Association. I have also served as a curator at both the McAllen International Museum and the Donna Museum.

My work and artistic journey have been featured in various publications, radio programs, and television interviews throughout the Rio Grande Valley and Mexico.

Although I have accomplished much, I believe learning is a lifelong process. I remain open to growth, inspiration, and transformation, continuing to learn from everything and everyone—just as I hope my work invites others to do the same.