Midget rodeo
by Armando Ramos III
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Fine Arts
Montana State University
© Copyright by Armando Ramos III (2003)
Abstract:
no abstract found in this volume MIDGET RODEO
by
Armando Ramos III
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the degree
of
Master of Fine Arts
MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY
Bozeman, Montana
September 2003
N n s
APPROVAL
of a thesis submitted by
Armando Ramos III
This thesis has been read by each member of the thesis committee
and has been found to be satisfactory regarding content, English usage,
format, citations, bibliographic style, and consistency, and is ready for
submission to the College of Graduate Studies.
Approved for the Department of the School of Art
Richard Helzer
3 /3 /0 3
Approved for the College of Graduate Studies
STATEMENT OF PERMISSION TO USE
In presenting this thesis in partial fulfillment of the requirements
for a master's degree at Montana State University, I agree that the
Library shall make it available to borrowers under rules of the Library.
If I have indicated my intention to copyright this thesis by
including a copyright notice page, copying is allowable only for
scholarly purposes, consistent with “fair use” as prescribed in the U.S.
Copyright Law. Requests for permission for extended quotation from
or reproduction of this thesis in whole or in parts may be granted only
by the copyright holder.
Signature
in
I
The essence of my work is not entirely in the medium, but in human beings and
their history. The differences in humanity are fascinating to me, and in my thesis show I
want to bring this to light. My thesis show, the Midget Rodeo, explores the oddities of
our kind. Our lives today are overrun by computer enhanced models and manicured
lawns; I want to show that it is okay to be who we are. We have lost touch with real
existence to such an extent that we don’t realize what is really important. Americans have
created a whole hierarchy of values that are unrealistic. In contrast, the rodeo is an
example of a more honest portrayal of ourselves.
The midget rodeo is a large installation that fills the entire gallery. The rodeo is
comprised of five distinct scenes that are setup in their own environments. One is a
singing cowboy on a crude stage. It has the feeling of a makeshift stage made of bales of
hay that gives you a feeling of traveling from county fair to county fair. Other scenes
range from rodeo clowns to a corral of galloping fantasy horses. All of these are
constructed in their own specific setting in the rodeo, for example, a corral or toy horses.
All scenes come together to form a collective environment in which they are all present
and the viewer is free to interact.
The clay figures are constructed in the same manner that my past work has been
made. The sculptures are hand built in a traditional manner and then incorporated with
cast found objects and toys that are selected to represent the history, personality and
emotions of the individual pieces. The hand built figures are representations of the human
form. They are simplified, to elicit the energy of a quick drawing and to focus on the
character of the piece.
The Midget Rodeo is inspired by an intriguing memory I experienced as a boy
living in Mexico. In America this type of event is a completely different form of
entertainment. In the United States there is not a feeling of being involved in a fun
environment that is innocent and suitable for children; instead it’s much more of a freak
show. The Midget Rodeo, in this country, is seen more as a demeaning event that makes
a spectacle of someone who is different. A so-called normal adult condemns this type of
display, hr reality, they have little tolerance of these events, because it is too close to an
honest acceptance of mankind. Everyone loves to go to the carnival, and they love to go
to the freak show component, but they are embarrassed to admit it. Having traveled and
knowing people from other countries, I have realized that it is mainly our country that
feels this way. Instead of embracing diversity, we strive to help the midget, the bearded
lady and the snake woman because—god forbid—“those poor people” actually enjoy
their lives entertaining us “normal” people.
SLIDE LIST
Armando Ramos III
Midget Rodeo
I . Midget Rodeo
Ceramic and Mixed Media
10’x20’
2.
Barrel Racing
Ceramic and Mixed Media
7'x5'x7'
3. D etail of B arrel Racing
Ceramic and Mixed Media
7'x5'x7'
4. Pogo Pony
Ceramic and Mixed Media
3’x l4 ”
5.
Cowboy Up
Ceramic and Mixed Media
12"x7"x7"
6. Portraits of a Cowboy
Ceramic and Mixed Media
15”x l l ”
7. The Singing Cowboys
Ceramic and Mixed Media
15”x l l ”x l l ”
8. Wild Ponies
Ceramic and Mixed Media
7'x8'x3'
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