A VISUAL POET IN CAMBODIA
Loven Ramos is a visual poet who got hold of his high school's camera by accident. A graphic designer by profession who moved to Cambodia 6 years ago.
He set up his own graphic design and photography studio-Spoolworks and later opened Poetry (a boutique) with his friend Don. He collaborated with his friend– Jam Ramjattan to open ArtDeli last year and is currently opening a unique hybrid hotel/gallery/artspace called 1961 in Siem Reap.
Your greatest inspirations or influences?
I’ve always loved architecture and I have forever used it as a reference point. The works of Gaudi, Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier, I.M. Pei and Santiago Calatrava have been such vivid visual orgasms for me.
I have also drawn out a lot of inspirations from fashion – from Alexander McQueen to Hussein Chalayan and Nicholas Guesquiere.
What is Artdeli?
Jam and I set up ArtDeli in response to the global recession which closed a whole lot of art galleries in Siem Reap. Some of our artist friends lost outlets to show their work, so we opted to have an alternative space where we can market art as a grocery – affordable and accessible to ordinary mortals. We tried to make it inexpensive by slashing down our percentage from the sales and also asking the artists to do a specific type of work that would be more financially accessible to the public. This was also a reaction to art as an institution as we want to make the connection between artists and art enthusiasts easier.
Most interesting Photography work you have done so far?
Although I hate to admit it, my monk series and beaded photo-based artworks have been my biggest sellers. It was because of this series that I was able to afford opening up Poetry and ArtDeli! But I am so way over that series now!
Most interesting response to your art?
There was this art collector from Venice Italy who hated me because he said he had to repaint his entire house to give justice to the artworks he bought from me! I felt elated as most of my buyers choose certain pieces because they think it matches their carpet or their couch – but this one worked the other way around.
Favorite websites/blogs?
Upcoming projects you are working on?
I’m trying to finish my new hotel/gallery project – 1961. We’ve opened 2 main galleries so far, 4 artist’s studios and the Nostalgia boutique. Soon, we will be opening 4 more artist’s studios and the café. I’m also looking at opening a boutique in Phnom Penh. I’m also trying to pair up with a card company in Britain who wanted to bring my designs over there so that’s one thing I’m super excited about too.
*Yup, these are just recent designs I did which I am currently printing on my tote bags and also releasing them as posters. These are current events that are shaping our world now, so I want to make my own imprint on these issues as much as I can.
art deli
