Artist Statement
My artistic work primarily uses Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to explore themes of masculinity's
deconstruction, emphasizing that men are not infallible. I aim to explore the struggles associated with
autism while addressing the increasing loneliness of men, particularly in the context of a changing society
post Me Too movement. My piece titled “Men Are Not Gods” reflects on the rise of the manosphere
and its impact, especially against a backdrop of declining birth rates and economic challenges. I deeply
admire the strides women have made in combating sexism and promoting equality, and I believe it is
now essential for men to undergo their own awakening, embracing elements of femininity as part of
the human experience. My goal is to dismantle the rigid labels of masculinity and femininity, fostering
a more inclusive understanding of gender.
In my other works, “Soul Rising” and “Spatial Immergence,” I explore my personal experiences
with autism. “Soul Rising” reflects my feelings of being trapped in my thoughts, while
“Spatial Immergence” captures the challenge of remaining present in reality versus the allure
of daydreaming. These pieces aim to navigate the complexities of autism and highlight my broader
themes of gender double standards and mental health struggles, targeting men who feel alienated
from traditional masculine norms and are seeking a sense of belonging.
Throughout my creative process, I predominantly use cool colors, occasionally introducing
warm tones to underscore significant concepts. I strive to highlight the importance of
vulnerability, presenting men as human rather than as idealized figures. A major concern I have
observed is how many young men turn to the manosphere for guidance, where they encounter
a variety of ideologies that can foster hate and exacerbate feelings of isolation. This exploitation
of their insecurities often leads to dangerous rhetoric and actions, ultimately harming
communities. My work seeks to provide a safe space for men to express their vulnerabilities
and understand the burdens imposed by patriarchal expectations, offering a path toward a more
equitable and empathetic future.
Bio:
Ricky Ochoa is a graphic design student at NJCU with a strong inclination toward writing.
Born on May 16, 2005, he grew up in a middle-class family in New Jersey, where
his stay-at-home mom and father, who owns a jewelry business, fostered his vivid imagination.
Ricky enjoyed storytelling and game creation with his best friend, Adel, which highlighted his
passion for narrative even at a young age. After moving to New Jersey in the summer of 2018,
Ricky's interest shifted toward television and movies, leading him to develop imaginary
stories with Adel through text. Although he initially explored 3D animation and drawing, he found
these media unsatisfying and felt directionless until he met Jaden, whose artwork inspired him
to embrace his storytelling strengths. Ricky primarily uses Adobe Illustrator and
Photoshop for his creative work, blending photography, drawing, and online images to construct
his pieces. Among his notable works are “Men are not Gods,” “Soul Rising,”
and “Spatial Immergence.” "Men are not Gods" critiques the double standards of masculinity,
while "Soul Rising" and "Spatial Immergence" delve into themes of autism and
the isolation of being in one's own world. Through his art, Ricky has begun to confidently
express complex themes that resonate deeply with his personal experiences.
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