
Ramona Galardi
Born: 1955
Hometown: London
Based in: LISBON
Born: 1955
Hometown: London
Based in: LISBON
Originally from India, brought up in London, lived in Paris, Singapore, Provence, Goa and now back in London. I have worked in a variety of industries all related to the arts and aesthetics and wellbeing.
I put my life experiences into the expressions of my art. I am a spiritual person by nature where introspection, meditation and healing play important roles.
My work is intuitive in nature where my inner world becomes my outer expression. Being a therapist and an artist, the two come together, converge, sometimes collide. While some work has an expansive exploration, with a series entitled ‘Cosmic Egg’, incorporating text, another reflects on an existential question, Who am I? In all cases the works are reflections of my inner canvas presenting a deeply personal series of works.
I use a variety of techniques including printmaking, collage, mark-making and Asian calligraphy inspired techniques, with inks, acrylic paints, charcoal, graphite and pastels on paper. I have also created small format artist books. My works are abstract and express reflections, observations and encounters, such a recent series on Rape in India entitled ‘Shakti Rising’. My colour palette sometimes is restricted emphasising the nature of the subject, red, black and white. Texture also plays an important role for me, as I am inspired by nature - weathered wood, tree bark, pebbles but also my travels to Japan and India.
My inner questioning led me to explore ‘Who am I ?’ which resulted in a series of A1 size prints in black and white depicting the ‘masks we wear’ printed on acetate but also on fabric which i will expand into surface design.
Whatever I make I feel strongly about. My series on rape was a gut-wrenching experience.
I have been influenced by the works of Joseph Cornell, Jenny Holzer, Barbara Kruger and Julie Mehrutu. And I resonate with the words of Picasso. ‘Painting is a blind man’s profession, he paints not what he sees but he feels’.
I meditate, listen, feel and then create.
Left: Live Calligraphy during a dance and music performance in Marrakech 2nd: Playing with found upcycled discarded leather from a luxury Portuguese saddle making factory 3rd: The satisfaction of the hand pulled lithograph done on a stone block, shown here ‘Sparrow’ 4th: Projected works
What inspires you?
It really can be anything - a word, a film, an exhibition, texture on the ground, the majesty of the plane trees, the connectedness of everything in nature. I am visually receptive so I absorb what I see and store it somewhere and it will pop up later when I need it. Emotions play a strong part too.
Describe your creative process.
Allowing the movements to come through my body, my emotions, exteriorising whats going on inside, consciously or subconsciously - allow it out, look at it, what does it say to me? expand, write, cut, continue..a journey of discovery unfolds from my psyche, always a surprise!
What are 3 words that best describe your work?
Emotion in movement
Who are some artists that have influenced your work?
Georges Braque, Klee, Albers, Lee Krasner, Bauhaus, propaganda art of the 1930's europe, picasso, jenny holzer, primitive art..
What is the most important tool when creating your work?
Try it out - thumbnail, sketchbook, large format, just try it out
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Keep going! Every day create something, keep the creativity flowing, writing, drawing, painting.
Where do you go for inspiration?
inner guidance, nature, exhibition, film, music, every day life, a feeling...so much, everywhere!
Education
University of the Arts, London
United Kingdom, 2016
KLC School of Interior Design
United Kingdom, 1990
Exhibitions
SNBA Portuguese Fine Arts Society Annual Exhbition
Portugal, 2024
Portuguese Revolution anniversary, Lisbon
Portugal, 2024
She is the One, Arca Gallery, Lisbon
Portugal, 2024
Arca Gallery, The One Hotel, Palacio da Anunciada, Lisbon
Portugal, 2023
Group Show, Arteria Gallery, Barcelona (2023)
Spain, 2023
AYNIA All You Need is Art 3rd annual Intl. Contemporary Art Fair, Lisbon
Portugal, 2023
Cascais,
Portugal, 2022
Dark Nights, MAD Marvilla, Lisbon
Portugal, 2022
My Toxic Environment, The One Hotel, Lisbon
Portugal, 2022
Identity & Other Journeys, The Barbican, London
United Kingdom, 2019
RA Royal Academy Summer Exhibition
United Kingdom, 2017
National Original Print Exh, Bankside Gallery, London
United Kingdom, 2016
Press
Kensington & Chelsea Art Week Guide
2024
SNBA Portuguese Fine Arts Society Exhibition Catalogue
2023
Beyond Words Magazine
2023
AYNIA Art Fair exhibition catalogue
2023
Beyond Words Magazine
2022
RSL Royal Society of Literature
2021
Kindred Spirit Magazine
2019
Hoffman UK
2019
Asia Literary Review
2018
RA Summer Exhibition catalogue
2017
Bankside Gallery NOPE Exhibition Catalogue
2016