Past Exhibitions

Mixed Up – Connected presents the works of California photographer, Joe Ramos. The exhibition merges intimate portraits of family and friends with captivating landscapes, reflecting themes of identity, belonging, and the intricate interplay between humanity and nature. The portraits capture a lifetime of cherished faces, while the landscapes reveal the artist's profound connection to the Salinas Valley.

As a person of mixed Filipino and Mexican heritage, Ramos navigates the complexities of identity, echoing the experiences of many. These photographs, from birth to the end of life, remind us that we are all connected, regardless of our backgrounds.

About the Artist

Joe Ramos, a San Francisco-based photographer hailing from Salinas Valley, has dedicated over four decades to the art of photography. Trained at the San Francisco Art Institute under Richard Conrat, a close associate of Dorothea Lange, Ramos specializes in documentary photography, capturing profound imagery from the Salinas Valley and San Francisco's Mission District. Beyond documentary, his botanical images reflect a deep appreciation for nature, emphasizing the sculptural essence and vibrant hues of plants, often bordering on abstract representation.

Ramos' forte lies in portrait photography, evident in the depth and strength of his images—a testament to the mutual trust between the photographer and the subject. Since 2006, he has significantly contributed to San Francisco's Project Homeless Connect, capturing over 1,000 portraits, which culminated in a notable exhibition at the San Francisco Main Branch Library in 2012. Drawing inspiration from legends like Robert Frank, Edward Weston, and Henri Cartier Bresson, Ramos' work transcends mere imagery, encapsulating the essence of both everyday and profound moments.

Support for this exhibition provided by Barbara Schilling and Richard Carr

Image: Joe Ramos (b. 1949), Monique as a Child, 1980/2023, digital photograph, 10 x 8 in. Courtesy of the artist. © Joe Ramos.