Fatinha Ramos on Visual Activism and Brittle Bone Disease
Portuguese artist and illustrator Fatinha Ramos, based in Antwerp, describes her practice as 'visual activism,' only illustrating stories that resonate deeply with her. She blends analog and digital techniques for rich, emotive compositions. Recent clients include the Anne Frank Museum and MoMA, which commissioned an essay on being compared to Frida Kahlo. Born with osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease), Ramos spent her childhood in hospitals, turning to drawing as an escape. After 12 years as an art director in advertising and publishing, she went independent. She now focuses on a graphic novel and fine art, including anatomical glass sculptures based on her condition. Ramos rejects narratives that turn disabled artists into 'symbols of resilience,' stating creativity happens through limitations, not despite them.
Key facts
- Fatinha Ramos is a Portuguese artist and illustrator based in Antwerp.
- She describes her work as 'visual activism,' focusing on minorities and social issues.
- Ramos blends analog and digital techniques in her illustrations.
- Clients include The New York Times, The Washington Post, Tate, Scientific American, Anne Frank Museum, and MoMA.
- MoMA commissioned an essay on her experience being compared to Frida Kahlo.
- Ramos was born with osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease).
- She worked as an art director in advertising and publishing for 12 years before going independent.
- She is currently working on a graphic novel and a series of anatomical glass sculptures.
- Ramos rejects the narrative that disabled artists are symbols of resilience.
Entities
Artists
- Fatinha Ramos
- Frida Kahlo
Institutions
- The New York Times
- The Washington Post
- Tate
- Scientific American
- Anne Frank Museum
- MoMA
- Colossal
Locations
- Antwerp
- Belgium
- Portugal