Solis and Eddie Valentine in the Ramp Gallery

Solis collaborates with Eddie Valentine in his latest exhibition, New Religion. This show harkens back to a San Francisco that existed before the most recent tech boom. Inspired by the magical place of San Francisco that he describes as “a garden on an island for radical faeries, new bohemians and flower children”, he created this work as an offering and a statement that the culture of San Francisco cannot be purchased.

“San Francisco has become a walled fortress where the tech industry elite inhabit luxury condos and glide about in exclusive busses and extravagant vehicles,” says Solis.  New Religion attempts to remind new residents that what’s scattered in fragments underneath our feet are the leavings of people of color and an entire counter culture, made in a place valued as a cultural hub by many. With his work Solis asks “how did we get to today?” and hopes to “return to the strange and reject them as heretic idols of the New Religion”.

Meet the Artist
Solis will be at SOMArts on Sunday, June 5th, 1–4pm. Visit The Ramp Gallery for a chance to meet the artists, talk about his work and inspiration, have a drink and enjoy his awesome artwork! While you’re here, stop by the opening reception of our Main Gallery exhibition, Creative Labor. A cash bar will be available all evening.

About Solis
Solis describes himself as a “time-traveling artistic mammal”. His art combines references from pop culture infused with stylistic inspiration from science fiction and fantasy folklores.  The provocative nature of his art uses satirical imagery and wording to bring attention to various social issues: gentrification, income inequality and the changing landscape of San Francisco. Solis is active in the San Francisco art community and has facilitated workshops for youth programs.  His stencils and wheat pasted art can be seen on the streets of the Mission District.  His motto is: Art Does Not Need to Be Sanctioned.

For more info about Solis please visit innovativemammalsolis.com

About Eddie Valentine
As creative director of Taste Studios SF, Eddie Valentine makes beautiful and whimsical mixed media/assemblage art works using everything from broken toy parts and jewelry and other found items. He’s an accomplished hair, make-up artist and stylist available for print, film, fashion, personal one on one sessions and special events like weddings and public appearances. He also offers collaborative photographic services from private portraits, special events to fashion and model portfolio building. As a professional fine artist, Eddie Valentine is a member of and is represented by Visual AIDS NYC, an organization that helps artists with life-threatening illnesses to continue their works like Eddie Valentine who is a long term HIV survivor. Eddie received his formal education at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, the San Francisco Art Institute between 1976 and 1982 and finally The Academy of Art College in San Francisco, ongoing from 2003.

Click here to see more of his work.

About The Ramp Gallery
The Ramp Gallery accepts exhibition proposals on a continual basis. Submission Guidelines can be found here. To purchase work on display or for more information email [email protected]. You can visit The Ramp gallery any time SOMArts Cultural Center is open.

Image credit: Solis, No God Above, Mixed media. 2016