RICARDO RODRIGUEZ COSME

ARTIST STATEMENT

Ricardo Rodriguez Cosme, born in 1992 and based in Valencia, Spain, is a multifaceted artist whose work spans realistic paintings, prints, and collaborations.

His academic journey began at the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV), where he studied Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage and further honed his skills during his final year of studies at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Naples.

Ricardo Rodriguez Cosme's art navigates the intersections of high-speed dynamics and existential questions. How do these energies merge into the human experience? Through his figurative contemporary art, Ricardo answers this by blending powerful themes, creating pieces that invite viewers to reflect on the contrasts and harmonies of life. Engaging deeply with the themes and emotions he portrays.

In his meticulous art practice, Ricardo blends intricate details and vivid abstractions. Each brushstroke in his pieces is a testament to his exploration of speed, chaos, and human experience. In his studio, the artist's process of layering, revising, and perfecting each piece unfolds, showcasing his commitment to capturing movement and essence in his art.

His art explores the untamed spirit within us, the duality of strength and vulnerability, and the constant battle between control and chaos. Through his brushstrokes, Ricardo invites us to reflect on our own inner fires and the wild forces that shape our existence. Meticulously balancing bold imagery and fine details in his artistic practice. A balance between minimalism and boldness.

His paintings, crafted using traditional oil on canvas techniques, are particularly renowned for their classical realism infused with contemporary themes. One of the defining characteristics of his work is the frequent use of black and white, which he believes imparts a "timeless style" and allows for a deeper exploration of "sentimental feelings.”

With a contemporary style, Ricardo aims to create "visual, cultural, and historical hybrids" by blending classical references with modern elements.

His work captures the stark contrasts and harmonious connections between different themes. By placing them together, Ricardo demonstrates that diverse subjects can tell a unified story through their underlying emotional depth and artistic expression.

Artistic career:

2017 Solo Show #RPCave by Riccardo Pozzoli - Milan
2017 Solo Show Oscar Room Mate - Madrid
2017 Group Show Galería9 - Valencia

2018 Solo Show Poppyns Store - Valencia
2018 Group Show Galleria Bach - Barcelona
2018 Solo Show Revival of the Machine - Madrid

2019 F1 Authentics - Worldwide
2019 Solo Show Oasis La Marina - Valencia
2019 Affordable Art Fair Amsterdam, Wanrooij Gallery - Amsterdam
2019 Affordable Art Fair Hamburg, Wanrooij Gallery - Hamburg
2019 Group Show by Pamdesis - Barcelona

2020 Affordable Art Fair London, Wanrooij Gallery - London

2021 Group Show Hampton Gallery - Montreal

2022 Affordable Art Fair Stockholm, Mankovsky Gallery - Stockholm
2022 Affordable Art Fair London , Arta - London
2022 Guy Hepner - New York
2022 Gaston Luga Collaboration

2023 Affordable Art Fair Stockholm, Mankovsky Gallery - Stockholm
2023 House of Spoils - London
2023 The Arx London - London
2023 Galeria4 - Valencia
2023 Art Miami, Oliver Cole Gallery - Miami

2024 Group Show, Tambaran2 Gallery - New York City
2024 RedBull for F1 - Barcelona
2024 Lyle&Scott 150th Anniversary Collaboration
2024 Art Aspen, Tambaran2 Gallery - Aspen
2024 Group Show, Youn Contemporary - Montreal
2024 Solo Show, Tambaran2 Gallery - New York City
2024 Solo Show, Goodwood Art Gallery - Antwerp
2024 Moto GP, Solidarity GP - Barcelona

2025 Solo Show, Valencia
2025 Solo Show, Another Gallery - Denver
2025 Group Show, a66 Gallery - Mallo

BODY OF WORK

Easy to Love, Harder to Hold, NYC Solo Show (2024)

The inspiration for this series of paintings is behind the connection between the figure of the cowboy and the artist and the different feelings and situations in which artists find their self within the art world. The relation with the market, with other artists and more importantly, with himself.

Ricardo Rodriguez Cosme's art masterfully blends technique and philosophy, creating pieces that challenge and enthrall. Using powerful imagery and text-based signatures to explore themes of rebellion and trust. Each piece is a testament to his meticulous technique and deep philosophical inquiry, inviting viewers to question societal norms and embrace individuality.

A piece like “Rebellious” can be interpreted both as if the artist (cowboy) is trying not to let go of the market (horse) or exchanging positions as if the artist (horse) is trying to liberate himself from the market (horse) and all his demands. In both cases causing a tension about the break.

The development of his art is marked by a dynamic interplay of detailed realism and bold, provocative statements. How does the use of text in Cosme's paintings enhance their philosophical depth? The text acts as a signature, embedding deeper meaning and provoking thought, making the viewer reflect on broader themes.

In “Hellfire” for example, the juxtaposition of the raw power of a galloping horse with the fiery intensity of a cowboy engulfed in flames explores the untamed spirit within us, the duality of strength and vulnerability, and the constant battle between control and chaos. Between the artist and the market. It invites us to reflect on our own inner fires and the wild forces that shape our existence.

F1

Ricardo Rodriguez Cosme's important series captures the intensity and precision of Formula One through hyper-realistic portraits. These paintings, depicting legendary drivers and iconic moments, highlight his exceptional technique and passion for the sport. How does this series impact the viewer? It brings the high-speed world of racing into the realm of fine art, blending adrenaline and artistry. Ricardo’s meticulous attention to detail and dedication to his craft make this series a powerful homage to the legends of Formula One.

Scenes from the East, 2025

In Scenes from the East, Valencian artist Ricardo Rodríguez explores the duality between strength and vulnerability through imagery inspired by East Asian visual traditions. After delving into worlds like Formula 1 and cowboy mythology, Rodríguez now turns his gaze toward symbols such as the samurai, cherry blossoms, and temples—elements where power and fragility coexist.

This new series introduces a formal innovation: paintings on layered panels that break the traditional plane and build a three-dimensional narrative space. Like manga panels or scenes from a Japanese emakimono, the works unfold in layers, creating movement and depth. Each level reveals a new fragment, inviting the viewer to engage with the wor emotionally.

Rodríguez uses this structure to reinforce the tension between strength and vulnerability. A samurai stands tall amidst a cascade of flowers. Warriors confront one another in the face of love. Through these contrasts, the artist proposes a meditation on the masks we wear, the defenses we build, and the moments when our humanity is revealed.

Scenes from the East invites us to consider strength not as the absence of vulnerability, but as its companion. The characters do not overcome their fragility—they coexist with it. In this way, these works open as windows into our own internal battles between resolve and surrender.