Trei Ramsey is a self-taught multidisciplinary visual artist who works and lives in Washington, D.C. He creates work that is described as powerful, colorful, and fun. Ramsey’s practice as an artist is inspired by his childhood obsession with Saturday morning cartoons, mythology, comic books, and Western art history. Ramsey seeks to create a body of work that speaks to groups that are often ignored by using the eclectic concepts he absorbed while growing up in America. To that end, Ramsey uses pop art, surrealism, and cartooning to create work that looks or feels familiar but twists what is known to expose what is often hidden or purposefully relegated to obscurity: “It is like comfort food supplemented with essential vitamins, the equivalent of coating strong medicine with a chocolate shell.”

Ramsey’s artistic goal is to uplift, educate, and explore how we are similar to each other. He also wants to show how art and artmaking are accessible and vital for everyone. For those reasons, Ramsey uses cartoonish imagery, vivid colors, and nostalgia in his work.

Ramsey is also an actor, writer, DJ/producer, and an aspiring toy designer. He has published a children’s book, a collection of short stories, and is featured in various short films and video games. He earned his BFA in theater from Howard University.

Artist Statement:

Washington, DC as the United States capital sits at the crossroads of the political life of the world. For that reason, interests from all over the country and world each stake a claim in the geographically small District. How does this affect the natives of the District? What claim do residents have who have been here for generations?

These questions and more are explored through The DC Rat. Many historically associate rats with the Nation’s Capital so using different artistic mediums and styles, the artist investigates new and old associations with the District and its least favorite residents.

The DC Rat is an ongoing and ever-evolving art project which presents the mascot in diverse styles, shapes, and mediums. No matter the permutations there are always features to identify The DC Rat, which keeps its connection to Washington, DC strong. These features also acknowledge the joys and contributions that the residents of Washington, DC have added to the national zeitgeist.