Ramón Rivas Nieto – The Universe Reimagined Through Rivismo
by Viviana Puello.
Imagine a world where mathematics, physics, and human emotion converge in a symphony of experiential brushstrokes.
This is the world of Ramón Rivas Nieto—a world where every element, from a fractured car panel to the Fibonacci spiral, takes on new life and speaks with profound resonance. Rivas doesn’t just paint; he constructs realities. His self-created movement, Rivismo, isn’t merely a style—it’s a philosophy, a radical way of seeing and transforming the world into layered, multidimensional compositions that transcend conventional art.
A Collision Between Chaos and Precision
The first encounter with Rivas’ art is disorienting—intentionally so. Works like Face with Spherical Look and Meta-stable Composition on Unicellular Foundations challenge the viewer to navigate between the abstract and the hyper-specific. At first glance, the chaotic layering of textures, metallic grids, and surreal geometries might evoke a sense of overwhelming complexity. But look closer, and a calculated harmony emerges. Rivas’ background in engineering becomes apparent here. The precision of mathematical formulas and geometric patterns provides a structural backbone to the chaos, grounding his work in rigorous logic while simultaneously propelling it into boundless imagination.
“Face with Spherical Look” Mixed media-Rivismo, 180x195cm, 2024 by Ramón Rivas.
In Face with Spherical Look, for instance, the human visage becomes a hybrid machine—a metallic sphere dissected by intricate patterns, both alien and familiar. The “eyes,” reflective and multidimensional, are not mere windows to the soul but portals to alternate universes. They invite viewers to question their own perceptions: Is the face observing us, or are we observing it? The stormy backdrops, reminiscent of a tempestuous cosmos, contrast sharply with the industrial textures, creating a tension that feels alive, as though the painting itself is breathing, observing, and evolving.
“Meta-stable Composition on Unicellular Foundations” Mixed media-Rivismo, 2023, 170x195cm by Ramón Rivas.
The Art of Experiential Brushstrokes
Rivas’ concept of “Experiential Brushstrokes” is where his work transcends traditional mediums. These brushstrokes are not just applications of paint but repositories of information. A single stroke may evoke the rust of a car, the residue of time, or the scar of an accident. Each detail serves as a narrative fragment, contributing to an overarching story that is both intimate and universal. In Meta-stable Composition on Unicellular Foundations, for example, fractured forms and cascading textures recall both microscopic cellular structures and the vastness of cosmic phenomena. The effect is dizzying yet grounding—an exploration of the macro and micro, the universal and the personal, all at once.
Rivas describes his process as a “downloading” from the hard drive of his brain, a reservoir of lived experiences, scientific inquiry, and endless curiosity. This metaphor is fitting, as his work often feels like a transmission from an alternate dimension—a dimension where time collapses, and all experiences are accessible in a single moment. Each piece is both a question and an answer, a puzzle that reveals itself layer by layer.
“Expo-Park of Experiential Art” Mixed media-Rivismo, 180x195cm, 2024 by Ramón Rivas.
Rivismo: A Vanguard of Contemporary Art
At the heart of Rivas’ philosophy is Rivismo, a movement that prioritizes the interaction between material and immaterial elements. This is art that is alive, that reassigns roles and blurs the boundaries between objects and emotions. In his compositions, metallic fragments, mathematical equations, and organic textures coexist with human themes of empathy, vulnerability, and resilience. Rivas gives these elements equal weight, as if each were a character in a grand narrative.
Take Expo-Park of Experiential Art, for instance. The work’s layers seem to pulsate with an energy that transcends the canvas. The interplay between industrial motifs and surreal landscapes creates a visual symphony that defies categorization. This is not merely art for contemplation—it is art for interaction. Each viewer brings their own story to the piece, and in doing so, becomes a collaborator in Rivas’ vision.
Ramón Rivas – Top featured Star.
An Immersive Creative Process
Rivas’ multidisciplinary background—spanning engineering, music, and invention—infuses his work with a sense of intellectual rigor and emotional depth. His approach is methodical yet intuitive, combining the analytical precision of an engineer with the boundless imagination of an artist. The result is a body of work that feels simultaneously calculated and organic, as though it were both meticulously planned and spontaneously birthed.
One of the most striking aspects of Rivas’ process is his emphasis on originality. He avoids what he calls “contamination” from other artists, instead drawing inspiration from his own lived experiences and scientific explorations. This commitment to authenticity is evident in every detail of his work, from the meticulous layering of textures to the integration of mathematical principles like the golden ratio.
A Visionary’s Legacy
Rivas’ work is more than art—it is a revolution. Through Rivismo, he has created a language that speaks to the deepest parts of the human experience while challenging us to see the world through a new lens. His art is a call to action, an invitation to embrace the complexities of life and to find beauty in the interplay of chaos and order.
In a world increasingly dominated by the superficial, Rivas reminds us of the power of depth. His art is not easily digestible; it demands time, attention, and emotional investment. But for those willing to engage, the rewards are profound. Ramón Rivas Nieto is not just an artist—he is a visionary, a pioneer, and a storyteller whose work will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the art world.
So, step into the world of Rivismo. Let the experiential brushstrokes guide you through a universe of infinite possibilities.
You may not emerge unchanged—but isn’t that the point of art?
Viviana Puello
Editor-in-Chief
