Daniel Ramos: "The Land of Illustrious Men"

American artist Daniel Ramos uses photography as a vehicle to amplify the presence of the people in his life—family, friends, co-workers—in the world. His practice has recently moved beyond the single image towards archival installations and sculptural work that bring object and image into dialogue with notions of memory, family, and home.

Ramos' 2019 artist book entitled "The Land of Illustrious Men" portrays his life as the son of working-class immigrants who came to America from Mexico. Described by the artist as a "photo-novella," the book and photo series offers a glimpse into the life of each family member, revealing the nature of their relationships and the artist's own experience growing up between two worlds. Following publication,  "The Land of Illustrious Men" expanded to become two solo exhibitions: first at Filter Space in Chicago and later at Artpace in San Antonio, both hosted in 2020.

Learn more about the artist on his website: https://www.danielramosphoto.com/

This talk was hosted by Adrian Martinez Chavez, Photography MFA '23. Poster design by Daniel Ramos. Video editing by Emily Barresi, Photography MFA '22.