The harsh lights and shadows in the warm Florida weather led Ricky Rocket to explore photography. The sharp and refined effect of these types of lighting conditions became a necessity to avoid studio environments. Self-taught, while photographing ballet dancers in the city of Miami he began to devote more time to the male form. Working with them outside of their safe space (rehearsal studio) and taking them outside, on sand or water, creating a dynamic that kept giving birth to new compositions. Inspired by the mythology of tarot culture and astrology, he has incorporated some of these elements throughout his work.
AVAILABLE ARTWORKS BY RICKY COHETE
The Alignment Series
From the series “The Alignment” which is materialized from video footage shot with two ballet dancers underwater; he is carrying on the theme of water as a source of rebirth and flow. Inspired by frescos from the 16th century, the artist tells a tale of the ‘current’ emotions.
Leather ands Skin Series
The artist explores the intersection between submission and domination with this set of photographs.
Danza de las Naranjas Series
This series is inspired by a dream vision of the "Dance of the Oranges", it is a visual choreography of a message that comes to manifest itself in the movement of the men who dance. From its conception the message is transmitted, whispered and illuminated to create harmony in this imaginary world.
Water Lilies Series
Fusing the surreal elements of painting through photography. Water is an element that best combines these two worlds. Here it is found in the darkest waters.
Horse and Dancer Series
For this series the artist explores the moment when nature in animal form intertwines with the human form, there you can learn true balance. -In this series the artist studies the balance between black and white photography.
Acto Uno Series
Cohete's ritual with movement and the male dancer formations, inhabits his black and white theater-like habitat. Like light; always in motion.
Blanco - Sepia Series
For this series, he used elements such as water (emotions) to narrate a story. He worked with the color Blanco in the fabrics to communicate clarity and rebirth. Cohete frequently plays with sepia tones in his works, embracing nostalgia from old archival sources. An omen to a desert-tinted vision of sculptures sun-drenched and illuminated by nature.
Blanco - Black and White Series
For this black-and-white photography series, he used elements such as water (emotions) to narrate a story. He worked with the color white in the fabrics to communicate clarity and rebirth.
Nostalgic Series
Channeling the energy of “water-signs” in astrology, he captures these mysterious men thru a romantic lens. The embrace of the shadows and the light mixed with the gaze of their bodies. With the palms, he uses the texture and elongated shapes to emphasize the strength that comes from their infinite embrace.
Color Series
He uses the vivid contrast of color to add an extra dimension in the movement and shadows of each piece. Almost giving a glimpse, outside of the nostalgia, of his -black & whites- and sepias. Evoking a sense of freedom and liberation.
Movement Series
Through his exploration of bodily movement, with modern and ballet dancers, and with particular attention to the male physique, the artist has focused on the curves and lines of their anatomy. The expansion of the body, intertwined with light, and the infinity of movement, like an eternal dance.
VIVA Series
Exploring color in the darkness, inspired by the Italian and Dutch renaissance. He brings hints of the fauna of his native South American vibrant and passionate colors. Bringing them into this obscure space he hopes to ignite the imagination of the world that surrounds his subjects in the pictures. Like a dream within the landscapes of classical renaissance paintings.
Motion Series
Throughout his exploration of movement of the body, with modern and ballet dancers, as well as a focus on the male physic; he has concentrated on the curves and lines of the their anatomy. The expansion of the body as it intertwines with the light and the infinity of motion as an eternal dance.
Cerro Series
In this series the artist documents how in the roar of the hills, these two bodies intertwine and connect with each other, forming mountains of desire.
Bailarín Series
Expansion and light come together here to capture the opening of the expulsion.
Espiral Series
Vignette of a dancer creating shapes and folds in the sunlight. Rocket's favorite lighting source.
EXHIBITIONS
RICKY COHETE
REPRESENTED ARTIST
Ricky Cohete was born in a coastal city in Ecuador, but mainly, grew up in Miami. Lately, he has self-published a photography book that included: short poems and sketches titled “Blanco”.
Lately, he has self-published a photography book that included: short poems and sketches titled “Blanco”.