Ruiz - Manuel Muñoz Ruiz

MANUEL MUÑOZ RUIZ
CREATOR OF THE THREE-DIMENSIONAL ART
PIONEER AND GENIUS OF THE PALETTE KNIFE TECHNIQUE
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FOUNDER OF ART DEMONSTRATIONS ON TELEVISION.
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PIONEER OF ART PROGRAMS ON TELEVISION SINCE 1960.
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PIONEER AND PROMOTER OF EDUCATION THROUGH TELEVISION.
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CREATOR OF FIRST TV PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN.
CREATOR OF THE FIRST EDUCATIONAL TRAINING
WORLDWIDE.
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MANUEL RUIZ WAS THE INITIATOR OF THE FIRST TV PROGRAMS THAT
DEMONSTRATED “HOW TO DO ANYTHING”, SUCH AS PAINTINGS,
SCULPTURES AND LITHOS.
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CREATOR OF THE FINGER PAINTING TECHNIQUE. 1964
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PROPELLER OF THE VIDEO CLIPS, LATER USED BY THE MUSIC INDUSTRY
AND ALL SINGERS. RUIZ PAINTED TO THE RHYTHM OF THE MUSIC,
BLENDING THE IMAGES WITH THE MUSICAL NOTES.
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TV
PROGRAM
CREATOR OF EMBOSSING TEXT ONTO PAPER AND FABRICS, GIVING HIS
TRIDI `S IMAGE TO GRAFIC ART AND CLOTHES WHICH RESULTED IN A
GREAT INFLUENCE ON ART AND FASHION. THIS TECHNIQUE WAS LATER
APPLIED TO ALMOST EVERYTHING WE WEAR. BRAZIL, 1968.
 CREATOR OF THE SCULPTURAL BUILDINGS. 1962
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CREATOR OF SPORT SHOES WITH COLOURS AND TEXT. CHICAGO 1982
FOUNDER OF THE RUIZ ART MUSEUM IN USA. WINNETKA, ILL. 1976
THE FIRST ARTIST TO BUILD HIS OWN PRIVATE ART MUSEUM WORLDWIDE.
FOUNDER OF THE FIRST PRIVATE ART MUSEUM IN THE WORLD. USA,
WINNETKA, ILLINOIS, CHICAGO’S NORTH SHORE, 1976.
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FOUNDER OF THE FIRST HISPANIC ART MUSEUM IN THE WORLD. USA,
WINNETKA, ILL. CHICAGO’S NORTH SHORE, USA, 1976.
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FOUNDER OF THE FIRST WOMEN´S ART MUSEUM IN THE WORLD. USA,
WINNETKA, ILL. CHICAGO’S NORTH SHORE, 1976.
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MAN OF THE YEAR AWARD IN USA BY S.A.B.A. (SPANISH AMERICAN
BUSINESS ASOCIATION), CHICAGO, NOVEMBER, 1976.

GOLD METAL AWARD BESTOWED ON MANUEL RUIZ BY THE MUNICIPAL ART
LEAGE, PRESENTED AT THE MUSEUM OF SCIENCES & INDUSTRY BY THE
PRESIDENT AND COMISSIONER OF CHICAGO, FRANK W. CHESROW. 1976

CERTIFICATE OF APRECIATION AWARDED BY PRESIDENT OF USA, RONALD
REAGAN. 1984.
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CREATOR OF THE “RUIZ ART FOUNDATION" IN USA, CHICAGO, 1983
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PRODUCER OF CULTURAL TV PROGRAMS.
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SINCE 1971, RUIZ OPENED NINE ART GALLERIES IN USA AND SPAIN WHICH
CONTAIN SOLEY HIS OWN WORK.
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RUIZ GENEROUSLY ASSISTED NUMEROUS ARTISTS FROM A WIDE VARIETY
OF COUNTRIES, WITHOUT ANY PROFIT TO HIMSELF.

SINCE 1960, RUIZ´S ART WAS DISPLAYED IN OVER 1.200 EXHIBITS
THROUGHOUT ARGENTINA, BRAZIL, USA, CANADA, VENEZUELA, GREECE
AND SPAIN.
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SINCE 1953, RUIZ HAS PERFORMED PUBLICALLY IN OVER 10.000
DEMONSTRATIONS WITH EACH OF THE PAINTINGS AND SCULPTURS THAT
HE CREATED IN FRONT OF BOTH, THE PUBLIC AND HIS CLIENTS.
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SINCE 1960 RUIZ WAS INVITED TO PAINT AND SCULPT IN OVER 1.000 TV
PROGRAMS THROUGHOUT 3 CONTINENTS.

BUILT UP A VAST PRIVATE ART COLLECTION.
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RUIZ FALLOWS A GREAT HUMANITARIAN CARRER HELPING OTHERS.
Manuel Muñoz Ruiz signs all his work with only “Ruiz” and is
known as Ruiz or Manuel Ruiz.
Manuel Muñoz Ruiz is a self taught, Spanish artist. He was born in the
town of Peligros, Granada, Spain, on September 28, 1948.
With his talent and original techniques, Ruiz has broken all the barriers of
art, yet without losing any of the aesthetic values that art represents.
Still now, after 50 years, nothing like his creations can be found anywhere
in the art world, not in books or in museums despite the passion and
fervour which Ruiz raised since childhood.
He has inspired beginners and professional artists, who continuously
strive to copy him, his work remains unique.
In May 1949, his family emigrated from Spain to Argentina where Ruiz lived
until the age of 18, at which time he began travelling to other countries. His
idea was to explore and conquer the world with his art.
For two years the family lived in Santiago del Estero until the extenuated father
decided to move to Córdoba, Argentina, where he settled in the countryside
and brought in from Spain, both parents families to live and work with him.
1951. Cordoba, Argentina. In this photo, Manuel Ruiz is shown with his younger
aunt Celia standing in front of a water hole for irrigation hand built by his father
who was supposed to be “resting” at the time!.
With his first steps, Ruiz began to paint and make an impression.
His natural talent and artistic inspiration was immediately apparent in his
drawings. On his fifth birthday in 1953, some of his first admirers, the
neighbors, gave Ruiz four small canvases, a few tubs of paint, a brush and a
small palette knife; use them only to mix colors.
Ruiz immediately went into action and before their astonished eyes, he
began to mix the colors and spread a massive amount of paint over the canvas!
He awakened a unanimous chorus exclamation ... no! … With the palette knife,
no! ... The knife is only meant to be used to mix the colors !!.
Ruiz recreate the moment...
"I clearly remember the excitement I felt with such a gift ... it was all new for me
... magical but… I could do something real with this! ... But what? ... I caught a
challenge that traps my imagination! …
When I started painting, the complains of my parents bothered me and I burst
into tears of anger because they did not let me be, I felt the need to do what I
really wanted to experiment ... finally, my father released me..."let it be, he is a
lost cause !."
I guess, that pressure could have changed the outcome.
However, I continued painting haunted by the effect of those pure tones that
fulfilled my spirit with life and curiosity.
I never drop the palette knife except on rare occasions to find out what could
be achieved by painting with brushes or making sculptures, which also
fascinates me and I did not create as many as I would have liked too.
I kept going on conviction, for pleasure and because it could only be that way
and not be otherwise.... not knowing that in those first strokes, I was giving life
to the three-dimensional art.
When I finished, they all asked my father contemptuously, 'Now, how about it
?"...to which he replied ..." interesting "... With that positive word I knew, I had
made it!".
These first strokes, change the idea and the concept of the form of art so
far.
Eventually, they influenced many trends that affect us in our daily lives, all
inspired by the three-dimensional art created by Manuel Muñoz Ruiz.
Ruiz techniques later evolved in many ways without limits as per example were
used by artists from classic to abstract works and incorporated into the
tridimensional graphics on clothing, shoes and in many objects of our ordinary
and daily use.
In 1952 as fate, the young Ruiz, with a few strokes, gave a new form to art,
to his life and society.
With its pure beauty and at the same time contradictory bold effect overwhelm
us leaving no room for analysis.
Ruiz creates and raises the tridimensional art to historic and necessary. A
true social phenomenon.
Artist, in the late 50's throughout the 80s, only used the classical brush. People
reacted skeptical to Ruiz bold tridimensional effects whilst at the same time;
they find it exotic and captivating.
The three-dimensional art that Ruiz created before us sometimes reached
several inches in thickness.
Some critics at the time denied it was a form of art. Others claim it was more a
form of sculpture.
However, despite the controversy, his few detractors could not diminish Ruiz
talent who continued adding unconditional followers from the first moments
between those who appreciate his achievements.
The prodigy child with his palette knife began to use large masses as a
means of transforming matter into expression giving life to the "threedimensional art," a lush and unique style that has revolutionized the art
scene worldwide.
With the creation of this exciting new concept, Ruiz changed our understanding
of art. He also influenced new trends including abstract, which decades later,
began using thickness looking for the three-dimensional effects that Ruiz has
created.
And so, “the whiz kid”! Went over through his childhood amazing at everybody
around.
In 1954, his primary school teachers had him draw daily on the blackboard and
would then meet to assess and analyze what the 6 years old Ruiz had
achieved.
Ruiz recalls,
"I was the first to be called to the board every day. When I had finished
drawing the lesson, the teacher always has me sit down. They told me that
was not necessary to explain it, but at the same time, they did not let me clear
the board.
I was disappointed and frustrated because it was unfair that the other children
will be allowed to use my drawings for their lessons. But, as a good animal, I
soon realized that the teachers were only interested in my drawing and I did not
need to give the lesson. So, they made it very easy for me because before
leaving for school, I only need to give a glance for few seconds to the drawings
in the book and did not have to study anything else anymore, only listening at
class. At the end, It was a relieve.
During recess, the teachers use to get together to study what I had done and as
they whisper between themselves, at first, I thought they had obsession with
me for some reason or I may be doing something wrong.
They finally explain to me that they considered I was a great artist and they
admired my drawings. They also add that I would be famous, have my paintings
in Museums, and will be rich and so on. But... when they saw that I did not
understand what they were saying, they told me that I should not worry, I
had done nothing wrong.
In those times, 1954, being 6 and 7 years old and brought up mostly in the
countryside of Santiago del Estero, Córdoba and at the time in the city of
Rosario, Argentina, I did not understand what it meant to be an artist or to
have talent, a museum or what it was to be famous. Equally I was not
conscious of what I did and what was happening. I just remember that I felt
uncomfortable to have everybody look on me as a freak”
Ruiz father, who studied in Granada, Spain, practiced medicine in the
towns of Peligros, Pulianas, Pulianillas, Guevéjar and Jun.
In 1949 when Ruiz was 8 months old, the family moves to Argentina,
where, his father mastered a Doctors degree. Within a few months, he was
in charge to cure the bubonic plague in the Chaco Santiagueño in the north of
Argentina.
1949. His father also practiced medicine at the Hospital Mixto in Santiago del
Estero, Argentina.
He later became Deputy Director of Health of the province of Santiago,
Argentina. These were just a few of the many achievement that he left us with.
Most important are the memories of his brilliant talent in both, art and music.
He was also a Professor in the School of Fine Arts of La Banda, Santiago del
Estero, Argentina.
As a music lover, in Córdoba, Argentina, in 1952, he founded the famous guitar
factory "Casa Muñoz" in Villa Cabrera.
He was also co-founder and professor of the Institute Contardo Ferrini,
Córdoba, etc.
1955. His father was a sensitive person and artist at heart, but in those difficult
times, he dreamed that his son would be a medical surgeon with the idea of
creating a Private Clinic for which he had already designed and built the house
where they lived at the time in Rosario.
Doctor by profession in Spain and Argentina with an extraordinary talent, he
always pushed his son to become a Doctor too. Nevertheless he finally
decided to devote the last 30 years of his life to art and often ended up going
the same way of his son who supported him by buying and exhibiting his works
in his Galleries and Museum in America.
In 1956, when he realized that Ruiz, his seven year old son was showing a
great talent for art, he try to discourage him. He challenged his son to see if
he could copy a Rembrandt self-portrait.
Together, they set up an easel in the garage of his home and in just 1 hour,
while his father was taking a nap, Ruiz managed to paint an exact copy of the
Rembrandt to the point of not believing himself what he had done nor
understand haw it happened.
Ruiz recalls...
"I thought it was a miracle that would never happen again, I felt like inside me,
someone painted whilst I was just a spectator watching ... but, I remember, I
thought I could do it better... Those wrinkles I had made were very hard and I
felt that with a little more time I could “soften” them up…also I could do the
same with some of the shadows.
I remember clearly thinking that I could do it better.
1956. First major
painting by Ruiz done
it at the age of 7
years old. Copy of a
self-portrait of
Rembrandt
My parents with
enthusiasm should
encourage me to
continue painting
in this picture and
others to do the
best I could with
out time limits. I
was only 7 years
old and I could use
their incentive
which never
comes.
When my
father return to
the garage, he
froze at the sight and confuse asked me several times... where did you get it?
...you have not done that! ...He was amazed and in shock, he could not believe
what he sees and what was happening.
I insist for him to get closer. Finally, with curiosity and fear, he came near
enough to touch the painting. He was astonished! ... And reacted by denying
the reality... “You have no done this!!”... repeated as he left the garage, angry,
frustrated and powerless.
My father did not speak to me for three months but by them it was to late,
because with the lef over paints, I had painted the nude girl “ like a dream”
with out saying nothing to anybody. When he see it, he become furious, my
mother had to save my life. Later, they say, it was because I painted without
asking ".
Ruiz thought he would never be able to paint as well after he painted the
Rembrandt but the intrigue led him to try again in the near future.
In 1957, whilst still eight years old, he had the opportunity again.
Ruiz recalls, ...
"At the time we live in Av.Uriburu almost at the corner with Av. Ovidio Lagos in
the city of Rosario, Argentina. I always went to the kiosk on the corner to buy
sweets. One day, as I arrived, I realized that the girl who worked in the kiosk
was showing her girlfriend a black and white photo of a naked girl. My eyes
barely reach the high of the window. When she saw me, quickly hid the photo,
but I saw it in a flash! ... That half a second glance entered in my mind like an
arrow!
The feeling was so strong that something take over without contemplation,
unstoppable...I had meet my true animal!! ... I was owned!. I was never going to
be the same again. I had grown up!!...And it hurt...
With mix feelings, I dragged my body, and... Pulses take over my actions and
my destiny. This “glance” of a naked woman had left me crazy!
I was push to save my soul and needed to come out with a fast idea to do it. I
did not sleep two days but my subconscious was at work! ... Face with
adversity, finally a brilliant thought come to me. After giving myself a lot of
encouragement, as push by destiny, I decided to ask the kiosk girl to borrow the
photo... “To paint a picture”! ...
This was the price I had to pay to see in detail my first naked woman.
That girl was so surprised … did not know how to react. She couldn`t believe it!.
She was indecisive and incredulous...but this strange situation was irresistible
and made her curious. In the other hand, I was a little boy but pure conviction
and suggestion.
Fortunately to my surprise, she decided to lend me the photo.
Felt like I was the owner of the world! ...
I hid away to paint the picture in the middle of the night, “on the sly” in one hour,
to avoid problems with my parents ... for everything.
I decided to add color to the black and white photo made in day time, but since I
did not have any oils left over in various colors from “the Rembrandt
experience”, including blue, yellow and green, I decided to change the
painting from day to night time and place her figure into the water, in the dark
with the reflection of a guessing moon to give life to a romantic feminine
silhouette in warm colors.
Ruiz recalls ... "I liked in
the way I did it but I felt that
I was doing something
wrong and this could only
exist in my dreams. In
reality, I could not conceive
such a beautiful skin in the
dirty waters of the Paraná
River (the only water I knew
by then, and it was brown
and full of snakes), ...
… no pretty and pure
woman would ever get into
that situation and also with
the danger of the night ...
Only existed in my
imagination. I like it but I
thought it was a mistake
and someday I may be
criticized for it."
When my father finally
discovered the painting of
the nude and after a real
commotion !, he decided to
do another test to me and
"mischievously" took me to
the Castagnino Museum of
Rosario city to see if I had
the ability to copy some of
the works exhibited there
and do it "in front of the
public."
1956, “Like a dream”. Ruiz was
8 years old. First major creation by Ruiz with the brush.
Ruiz recalls...
"That was the excuse he used, but I think he did it, mostly, out of personal
curiosity because he had never seen me painting with a brush. He had missed
few small pictures I painted at five years old using the left over paints, then,
misses the Rembrandt and the nude. He needed to see exactly “how” I did it.
This time my father did not want to miss seeing how I painted.
We arrived to the Castagnino Museum and as we walked around, we argue
whilst trying to choose the best painting for me to copy. My father was
complaining that I wanted to copy the most difficult paintings. I was so sure and
confident. To me, they all looked easy to do, but he said they were impossible
to copy and in any case, would take many days to do it. He adds with a stern
glare and a silence sight... “Boy, ease down”, ... meaning, “stop dreaming and
don`t touch my bolls !"...deep inside, I am sure he was afraid of the outcome.
Finally I settled down in front of a romantic old bearded man and while I was
preparing the easel and palette, my father, who still insisted that I could not do
it, decided to go and talk to the Museum Director to explain better what was
happening with his stubborn child.
About 20 minutes later, he returned to see if I had started to paint and, to his
surprise, the painting was finished.
Really angry, my father, a Doctor and an educated and charismatic person,
grabbed the easel with my attach painting and we almost ran out of the
Museum. We did not say goodbye and not even show my painting to the
Museum Director who was very interested in seeing what I had produced.
1957. Painted by Ruiz, copied from a painting in the Castagnino Museum of Rosario,
Argentina.
When the Director saw us living in such a hurry, he was probably worried that
we may have stolen something. Yelling and shouting, he chases us to the steps
outside. My father, on the run, had to stop for a few seconds to turn the easel
toward the director, who was about 20 steps above us. When he saw my
painting, shouted scared ... "That picture belongs to the Museum!!"...
My father withholding his bitterness replied ... "no Sir,...your painting is in the
Museum go in and check !”.
The Director stop all confuse...
... And while my father keep going down the steps at full speed, he add out loud
... "Take a look at your picture, is hanging in the Museum!!."
It was like an abstract, the Director desperately running into the Museum whilst
we desperately running out to the car as if we had done something wrong... or
seen the devil himself.
I was also confused and running. I asked my father what was happening ... I
was worried about his silence, but at my insistence, while he place everything
into the car, he said, ... "hush, hush, you're going to get me into troubles, we
are lucky to get out of this one !”...He drove in silence while I did not understand
anything.
25 years later, in 1981, I went back to Rosario to exhibit at the Renom Gallery
and I decided just to visit again the Castagnino Museum. I was shocked to see
the painting hanging in the very same place. Memories take over me"
1959, at the age of 11, against the family will, Ruiz decided to make art his
way of life and started painting surrounded by the public under a pine tree in
Plaza Colón in Mar del Plata, Argentina.
Ruiz recalls,
“After a discussion with my father, I decided to show him that I could paint
anything in front of any audience and also make money doing so to help him to
finish our summer house that he started building in Mar del Plata. At that point
we all live in the unfinished garage.
I will never forget when, as I painted, he came from the back of the crowd and
lyrically touch my balls … in a funny gesture of admiration. About 200 people
laughed and I could not believe it! … In my surprise and shock, I did not realize
that this was the first time ever that my father really admired me and was
showing it, publicly.
I decided to paint everything with the palette knife because it was the hardest
way to paint but it was “my thing”. Nobody was painting like this and could not
match what I did. Everything else was already represented with the brush and
brushes are easy to use and were use by everybody. So, I felt unique in my
challenge to achieve something new to offer to the world.
Today I still ask myself what would have happened, artistically speaking, if I had
painted everything with a brush. Certainly, we all miss something out. One of
these days, if I have a long enough life, I will make couple of hundred paintings
with the brush, just to see what happen.”
Painting with the palette knife it is the most difficult method to master and also
Ruiz passion. He debuted in public with a resounding success ... quickly piling
up orders to paint as only this genius on short pants can do it. For a little boy,
this was one of the greatest experiences.
Ruiz remembers the beginning of his career...
"People told me what they wanted me to paint for them and I just had to
decide to do it ... the rest came alone. Some clients asked for odd things,
whilst others preferred to let my inspiration flow freely. Of course, I always did it
in my way, as I felt it."
"Absolutely everything I made financially up to my 18 years old, I gave it all to
my parents. My mother, the rock of the family, learned to prepare the canvas
and the stretchers and my father had to buy the paints for me. This hurt him
because I always used quantities and as I paint quickly, I wasted much more.
I was making between 1.500 to 2.000 dollars per day. Sometimes I bought
American or Brazilian canvas to make special paintings or to allow my mother
to rest.
I still remember what my father tells me after his first purchase of paint ...
"but, do you think you were born rich?... it was not a question ! Hehe...
That moment changed my life and for survival, my palettes become paintings.
I emphasized what I was doing and in some of the paintings I added depth and
thickness by throwing into all the left over paint. "
1959. "Romantic roots" important work by Ruiz in his tridimensional
technique with the palette knife. More than 2 inches thick.
Since 1960, Ruiz was presented on television as the genius of art, a
prodigy child.
From 1959 to 1967, during the school holidays, which were extended to
April 15 by his parents, the inspired Ruiz spent his time painting in Plaza
Colon, Mar del Plata, Argentina, always surrounded by fans, onlookers,
artists and customers.
His paintings were always expensive. In 1960, the young Ruiz set up a fix
price of 100 dollars for each of them.
They were not available to many clients while querying to buy them
sometimes having to wait one year for.
Manuel worked arduous and sacrificed 18 hours a day painting outdoors in a
park beneath a tree to meet orders from many people that sometimes remained
on the waiting list for over a year to acquire one of his works created so
spontaneously and often over a sandwich for lunch or dinner that may be at 3 in
the morning.
Ruiz recalls,
"There I beat myself to death trying to be the best man I possible could in
every way. I never smoked or drank and gave everything to the limit; I was my
own experiment with the hope of being a Superman that would feel the
pleasure of doing what nobody had done before and be able to share it with the
world.
We all knew we were making history. When it freezes, people use to cover me
up with their bodies in a circle to keep me warm from the cold. It became a hard
enemy late at night. I had to warm up my hands every minute to be able to keep
painting one more stroke. Generally shivering and starving by the hour. I always
wanted but never could finish early, people, history and destiny, pushed me to
the edge. "
Ruiz recall,
“In one occasion I injured my hand but of course, I plan to keep creating.
People were waiting for my paintings. Actually I cannot use my right hand, so,
everybody was curious to see what I will do. I made few paintings with my left
hand, one with my feet and another with the only finger showing out of my right
hand and,... I liked the effect!!. This is how my finger painting technique
started”.
1964. “Forms of a dream” Original technique developed by Ruiz finger painting in 1964.
Just a few years later, millions of people would see Ruiz creating
masterpieces every week. He was presented in over 1.000 TV programs not
only in Argentina but also in Brazil, Venezuela and the United States, later also
in Spain. Thousands of people enjoy their daily visit to his work in his 6
Galleries and the Ruiz Art Museum in the "North Shore" of Chicago.
Since 1989, they also visited his 2 Galleries in Marbella, Spain where he is
planning to build the largest private Museum in the world.
In many different countries, people became fond of his palette knife
techniques and his tridimensional art. In this way, the influence of Ruiz
and his three-di technique spread throughout the world like an
unstoppable scorching fire.
In 1961, at age 12, Ruiz starts studying high school in the Dante Alighieri of
Rosario, Argentina. His art teacher immediately discovered that Ruiz was
making the drawings for most of his classmates and later, also for kids from
other schools who were in need of good grades and they come to ask for his
help.
Ruiz reminds,
"I could not refuse ...They needed help and I can give it to them. It was a little
heavy to be doing so many drawings but I use to tell me....”don’t think,...just do
it.”
That is basically the story of my life!.
My teacher began sitting right behind me in every single class. Now, I
believe he knew we were cheating but preferred to keep silence just to watch
me doing all this different drawings at full speed but in a way that looks like
nothing was happening.
The real art was to do 20 different drawings in front of him without being
noticed.
However, it seems that the Directors from the other Colleges complain to my
Director of the college and he called me in to see him.
Surprise!!... As I entered the room, I see about 500 of my drawings all over
the tables but with different signatures. The Director just asked me…
”recognize them?”
As punishment, the College Dante Alighieri organize an exhibit of all my
drawings in the main hallway and “they added” few of my drawings retouch and
signed by other kids...to make me think... and,...it hurts!
Of course, the students spoiled the drawings I made for them with the aim to
make it appears in front of the professor that they had actually done the work.
This was the first exhibit of my art work! ... and I only visited one time. I
dislike seeing it again in account of those few paintings sign by others.
Also I received a good scolding and at the request of the director, I would
have to give the art class to all my classmates with the promise of not to make
all the drawings for them, just show how to do it, and my teacher will only give
the notes.”
In the search for additional pleasures related to art, the young Ruiz
designed houses, buildings, boats and modern cars, one of which he built
few years later.
Ruiz used to say… “If you can’t buy it, just build it ”. Of course, these were
ideals of a child that could not perform because he was so young and needed
guidance and funds to do big projects. In any case, many architects copied his
ideas and Ruiz served as their inspiration until today.
We can see his drawings and influence in today´s architecture all over the
world.
In Argentina Ruiz was invited to take part in popular TV programs and to
paint to well known personalities as the great actress Mirtha Legrand who also
attended the opening of Ruiz exhibition at the Theater General San Martin in
the city of Termas de Rio Hondo in Santiago del Estero. She looked ecstatic as
Ruiz dedicated a picture he painted before her eyes.
In Mar del Plata, Argentina, Ruiz was invited to paint on different TV programs
as "Una Terraza Frente al Mar”, with Mateiko and with Julio Lagos in Buenos
Aires, etc.
His incredible success in the international arena is due to his boundless
artistic talent and his passion. He created something different that still
continues to surprise by its inimitable originality even though his
technique with the palette knife has now become popular around the
world.
Ruiz is the pioneer of art on television. He is all spontaneity and feeling,
surely the world's fastest artist, but, most important is the essence of his
spontaneous strokes. They will not have the same artistic value if they had not
being born from his soul.
With his vertiginous strokes, Ruiz punished and cherished the canvas in an
intuitive and unconscious emotional concert of feelings, colors and
forms. All of them born only from the essence of his unique way of creating and
conceiving life.
Since 1960 Ruiz has shown his talent in more than 1,000 TV programs
over three continents.
For the first time the public was able to "introduced themself" into the mind of
an artist while he was creating. Ruiz is happy to explain his feelings and
techniques while painting at a staggering pace and with a historical artistic
quality.
In the 60's, all start up with the black and white television. Sometimes Ruiz
invite and shared images with singers because they brought in the music while
Ruiz created a painting on TV and this looks good in front of the audience but,
Ruiz always pointed out how interesting it was to see both artists express their
feelings together inspired by art and music creating the magic images blend in
by Ruiz stroks ...that we can see in Ruiz strokes. Ruiz blend in this magic that
gives birth to his strokes.
Ruiz blend in Art and music and many of his work are the result of listening to
music.
Music touch Ruiz feelings and we can see in his art what it comes out of him.
Definetly was a great influence in Ruiz techniques In those times, technically,
the two images could not be combined together on the same screen.
An example was shown in the fabulous TV program of Silvio Santos in Brazil.
Ruiz painted to the music of Roberto Carlos, the star of Brazilian singers and
performed with Wanderley Cardoso, the handsome young singer with whom
Ruiz also shared one of the first soap operas to be done on paper in a
magazine. It was made up only with photos and writings and called "The
Estrada do Santos" in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where Wanderley was the playboy of
the moment, both, in the story and in reality. On the 60”s there were few TV
Stations and soap operas on TV, did not exist.
Ruiz performed in hundreds of television shows, creating a painting in a
couple of minutes to the rhythm of a song.
Sometimes he shared the stage with singers who usually accompanied
his strokes with their music.
At that time, in the early 60s, there were no video clips. Certainly, Ruiz TV
presentations painting to the music, combining the image of his strokes
to the rhythm was an inspiration and an influence to the music industry
with the subsequent appearance much later, of musical videos with
images. Currently used by all the internationally renowned singers.
1960, Ruiz is the pioneer and promoter of Education through television.
In the decades of the 60, 70 and even the 80's, there were no educational
TV programs for children or adults, only the ones that Ruiz started.
Ruiz created and introduced the teaching by television. This later became
the most important way of communication and education in the world.
Ruiz was the first person to create art programs on TV for children and
adults. He explained and thought his audience how to create a work of art,
painting or sculpture and what materials he used. Ruiz shared his thoughts and
answered all questions whilst he painted to demonstrate and teach how it is
done.
From the beginning, Ruiz thinks in the children and produces television
programs for them bearing with all the costs because nobody else wanted to
help or invest to produce cultural TV programs for children or adults.
On those times, from the 1960s, even up to the early 90s, society did not think
of children’s as important.
Also, there were not any cultural programs for adults as we can see
through the history of television. Investors did not see any returns on their
money.
People just were not ready to receive or give something new through the TV,
and even less so, if it was related to art and education.
They could not understand why Ruiz wanted to do it.
The few existing TV channels (one or two per country), were not inclined to try
out what Ruiz intended to do.
There was no company who built or produced anything of any importance
for children. Nor was there anyone to think of them as people with
intellectual and emotional needs ... and even less, “purchasing power”.
The values of what to receive trough TV were different. Even as late as
1989, when Ruiz arrives to Spain, he presented a project for a cultural TV
program to Channel 5 and Channel Sur in Spain. It was “art for children
and adults” and it was refuse with the excuse that there would be no
market for sponsors.
Ruiz is the engine of education through television that gave children the
social value they deserved.
After insisting, alone, for more than 3 decades, others just started TV
programs which had been inspired by Ruiz work and his prophecy with
children in mind.
The TV programs that Ruiz created were the first to impulse the teaching
on TV and show through television “how to do something” reaching
millions of people.
Without question, this new perception was the motivation and inspiration
that people needed to produce other programs related to teaching
anything as it happen today.
Actually in the year 2.012 this programs become very popular after 50
years of Ruiz creating “How to do it” or “How is made”.
His thousands of TV shows were an inspiration for artists and neophytes
because in them, Ruiz explained his techniques as he created his works
of art with the palette knife or developed a sculptor. He showed the
materials used and even shared his feelings in search of something new and
beautiful as life itself.
His palette knife and his three-dimensional technique became popular
with his unique TV appearances and daily live shows from 1960 in
Argentina, then Brazil, the USA, Venezuela, Spain and other countries
throughout Europe.
More than a decade later after 1960, saw the beginning of live
documentaries showing how the lions and other wildlife live, or how the
Egyptians lived 2,000 years ago.
Ruiz movement crossed borders quickly and 20 years later, led to the
birth of many programs that mimicked those originals made by Ruiz to
teach the viewer about art or how to make a painting or a sculptor.
Ruiz ideas burst into such a programs as how to make a garden, a
remodeling or a furniture, and 40 to 50 years later start coming other TV
programs as how to make a house, a meal, animal training or how to
make a movie, a building, a bridge, a toy, or anything familiar to us.
In the 60's, the three-dimensional art or “exaggerated text” that Ruiz presented
to us in his paintings he also introduced on paper and in unprepared virgins
cloths.
This had an explosive effect in society who followed his methods all over
the world.
Ruiz experimented with graphics on paper and cloths in an effort to
achieve one inch lift lithographs to create the three-dimensional effect
likeness of his technique with the palette knife. He wants his trade mark
to be recognized easy by the public.
In 1968, this caused a great impact in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil. Later, in 1971, when Ruiz moved to America, his idea travelled like
a vast fire all over the world.
1968, “Ouro Preto, Brazil”. Original lithograph on cloth by Ruiz.
Ruiz experiences on canvas, lithographs of an inch thick.
Today it is a part of all of us and it is perfectly normal for us to wear
something with text or to see a tri-dimensional painting... but of course,
nothing like Ruiz masterpieces.
Ruiz´s idea of putting text on clothes was such an innovation that the
textile industry moved immediately entrusting designs to suit fabrics
used primarily for ladies high-fashion clothing but soon became popular
in all kinds of clothes, T shirts, pants, jackets, bedspreads, curtains,...and
scattered all around the world of fabrics.
Ruiz never received any material compensation or recognition for his
invention of puff-text lithographs on paper and on clothes with a threedimensional effect.
The business men and the industry made billions of dollars by using his
creations.
Subsequently, the three-dimensional relief was used in many ways by society
at large, influencing all forms of art in any ways and styles including the
abstract, the wear, shoes and even the film industry. All moved into the threedimensional effect that Ruiz has created.
It has become a necessity and it seems normal today to see tridimencion in
art or to own something to wear with text.
Ruiz is all spontaneity and all art.
Ruiz brings out his feelings as an unparalleled artistic explosion. His soul
is all passion and art in its purest expression.
Ruiz has performed more than 10,000 demonstrations with each of the
paintings that he created always surrounded by the public, in Museums,
Galleries, Banks, Theatres, Art Fairs, Art Guilds, Festivals, Parks, Beaches,
Golf Clubs, Football stadium, International Natives Festivals, Cruises,
Universities, Hospitals, Government Buildings, Schools, Foundation of all kind,
Associations, a wide variety of Clubs, in Television and Cables TV, beach TV
programs, etc.
Ruiz has been acclaimed by millions of people and valued at hundreds of art
exhibitions in addition to his own private galleries and Art Museum.
Ruiz paints as he feels; his speed is printed by his spontaneity.
It is simply that way because it cannot be otherwise.
That is his essence, his pace, and multiplies his beats to become the
heart of art.
Ruiz is a universal genius of art. He does not fallow anything or anyone,
he is unique.
It is one of the few artists, true creator, who have existed throughout the
history of art.
Ruiz is the artist who has revolutionized the arts without losing the
aesthetic values that art represents, which is the main attraction and the
greatness of his unique style.
His infinite talent to create history leaves a trail of inspiration to the world
and will surely be remembered as one of the best universal artists of all
time.
Ruiz contribution to art and society has a massive impact on billions of
people worldwide.
He take us from pioneer the palette knife technique, the creation of threedimensional art, pioneering education and teaching trough out TV, cable
and internet, first demonstrations on TV and cable, created tri-di
graphics on paper and cloths with text, created sport shoes with colors
and text, he has influenced in what we wear with reliefs, pioneer the
music video clips with artistic images, created the sculptural architecture,
designed, created and build his own cars, he also like to write, poetry,
make videos, make TV programs and movies, the list is endless.
As with Leonardo da Vinci, Ruiz is far beyond anything achieved by any
other artist in the history of art.
Unfortunately Ruiz does not paint for the last 12 years since 2001 recovering
emotionally from a painful divorce.
Manuel Ruiz is, without doubt, one of the most valuable international
artists in the art market.
1964. "Symphony of colors". Ruiz technique with palette knife
Today, his original works of art are priced between 300,000 and 20
million Euros.
MANUEL MUÑOZ RUIZ, WITHOUT A DOUBT IS THE MOST EXCITING
AND VERSATILE TALENT OF THE LAST 50 YEARS
Since Ruiz began painting, until he was 18 years old, he gave all the money
he earned to his parents.
In 1964, at age 16, Ruiz bough an old classic Ford T 1927 just to have fun with
his friends. Later he try to go for a driver license but his father did not allow it
under the excuse that he can go broke if Ruiz would crashed because he was
not 18 years old yet.
In 1966, Ruiz life change as his father did not want him to drive the car or
take out the license so, after an argument, Ruiz decided to give his parents
only 25% of his earnings for the season and keep the rest to invested in his
way. He continue painting!
Ruiz never smoke or drink but always knew how to invest wisely the fruits
of his sacrifice.
Being 18 years old, in few weeks, Ruiz became one of the largest land owners
in the luxurious "Barrio los Troncos" the most exclusive location of Mar del
Plata, Argentina, a few meters away from “Villa Victoria Ocampo”, now a
Museum. It was once the home of the famous female writer with whom Ruiz
shared her porch on many sunny afternoons of reflections.
He also was a neighbor of the "Mitre Museum", home of the patriot who was
President of Argentina in the 19th century. All this homes has more than a full
city block of land.
Ruiz purchased all this land with the agreement to pay the second half in
one year.
With no money left, Ruiz decided to restore and sell his dear Ford T 1927 to
pay the Public Notary for the purchase of the land. He also aimed just to get to
Brazil even though his final intention was to go to USA.
With a small artist brush, Ruiz painted the car using oils in black and red. Then,
he said goodbye to this old friend, the car that left him with many good
memories related to his parents, girls and friends.
Passionate man, without any money left over after purchasing the land,
but with much talent, spirit of adventure, sacrifice and courage, he just
pushed onwards to conquer the world with his art.
No cash left... plus a high debt... but Ruiz was ready to travel to Brazil and
USA facing any circumstances.
He left Argentina without the blessing of his parents who refused to support
him on the path of art despite his success.
Later, Ruiz would return regularly to Argentina to visit his family and satisfy the
customers who live there.
He travelled to Brazil first because it was as far as he could go with the
money he had left from the purchase of his land and the sale of his old car.
Ruiz recalls,
“When I bought all that land, I was considered a millionaire but I had no money
left so, I have to sell my classic car, a 1927 Ford T with which I had many
wonderful times.
There I was,... just a day before I travel and my life change,...euphoric and yet
sad, in the middle of the street corner, sitting on the roof of the car, on the
breeze, using a little oil paint brush to make the car look great,... meditating with
my thoughts, making a balance of life, contemplating the upcoming unknown
future and surrounded by great memories of the past ...as... the father of my
little girl friend, who I adored, showed up and asked me ... ¿are you going
to marry her?”.
As he was on top of the car, ready to travel, Ruiz analyzed the moment and
makes a balance.
“All was an ecstasy in my life ... I can feel the power full with peace on
that glorious moment ... easy! ... I can taste with my spirit the flavor of the
morning breeze and... The sun letting me rest in his worm which full-feel
my soul by the grace of God... yes ... I was floating
above...untouchable...on top of the world. I was happy, content...
...it was nothing to worry...”
Ruiz recalls,
"I left Argentina to Brazil with no money because I had invested everything in
14 plots of land in “Los Troncos” and in a farm in “Laguna de los Padres”, all in
the best parts of Mar del Plata, Argentina. I had a debt equivalent to half of the
value of the land I bought as the agreement was to pay the rest within a
year. I actually owed $ 600,000 dollars! … A fortune in 1966.
Such was my self-esteem and ignorance that I figured I would create a
media of 17 paintings a day, sell them for about $100 dollars each,
multiplied by 365 days and... the problem was already solved!...easy.
I did not make any allowance or estimated any possible risks such as
disease, rain, permits, maybe I could not paint in a square, need to travel
or many other possible things that could it happen as falling in love with a
blonde girl or have fun for one day!!...this actually, happens.
I took a train and a bus to Brazil because it was the closest country travelling
straight towards the USA. Plus, I had no money to go any further.
I knew I was travelling to an unknown place where nobody knew me and I
do not know anybody and worse, I did not speak Portuguese I had no
money to eat or sleep nor could I buy supplies for painting or had
nothing for sale but yet, I was sure of success !...
Talented, young, stupid and fearless was the perfect combination for my
victory.
I was all passion and determination, always stretching reality and dreams,
crossing the deathly line like I was going to a picnic.
It sounds like I am describing some crazy man, but I assure you, the
situation seemed normal to me. I was confident and without any concerns ...
ready to win and enjoy!.
I was going to make a pulse to life once again ... for which I believed to be
prepared and despite never having travelled alone, I did not foresee any
problems or hazards. Who needs money? I had my talent!! …
I may have nothing to eat at the time…but that was not a problem in my mind. I
did not need to eat in 24 hours and that is all I needed to come on top of any
situation.
Undoubtedly, my immaturity was my best friend in this case, because fate
and the Gods had saved something special for me. Plus they kept me
alive!
Despite all the ads and having to deal with sleeping surrounded by rats on
my first night there… I succeeded, and just 12 hours after I arrive to
Brazil, I was discovered and presented in TV by the “Chacrinha Show” with an
audience of 60 million people. This made me immediately famous and
successful.
One day later, I was invited again to be interview on TV. This time I was
presented by “The Silvio Santos Show” with a similar audience.
Together with Roberto Carlos, Silvio Santos was the most popular person
in Brazil.
I was invited many times to his TV program. These are the 2 most
important TV programs of all time in Brazil.
Ruiz remembers as today...
In 1967, at night, under the rain, I arrived by bus to the city of Sao Paulo,
Brazil.
I had no money, only half a sandwich I had save from the
Argentinian train to eat later in Brazil, so, I can survive to a new day, which was
all I needed....
TO BE CONTINUE..... SOON