Ramiro Smith Estrada (b.1984) has an artistic practice that explores skepticism and uncertainty surrounding the current political and social landscape. His work reflects on the capitalist desires of characters who embody apathy, depressive pleasure-seeking, uncertainty, and restlessness in the face of choices shaped by a postcapitalist system influenced by social media and a sense of belonging to stereotypical roles within dominant culture.

In his paintings, the figures often display attributes, postures, and ornaments that subtly reference the resurgence of New Age thinking, antiwork sentiment, and superficial activism, all within a world urgently needing renewed dialogue around labor politics and the class struggles amplified by the recent global pandemic. His contemporary representational painting style is marked by imagery where line and form are conveyed through precise strokes and planes of flat color. A strong sense of color and composition emerges through the characters he depicts and the detailed backgrounds that provide context and invite narrative engagement. Smith Estrada draws inspiration from politics, popular culture, music, literature, and his close circle of friends and family.

Smith Estrada is an artist based in Buenos Aires, where he also completed his Fine Arts studies at the Universidad del Museo Social Argentino. His solo exhibitions include Ruinas & Reliquias at Espacio Uno + Uno, Buenos Aires (2023); Profile Picture (a two-person show) at Bluerider, Taipei (2022); Bliss is not a happy thing at Understudy, Denver, CO (2021); Expertly Paired at Leon Gallery, Denver, CO (2019); Cheto at Mundo Nuevo Art Gallery, Buenos Aires (2017); Hustle in Brussels at LaVallée, Brussels (2015); and The Young Gods at ICBC Foundation, Buenos Aires (2014). His work has also been featured in group exhibitions such as Absolute Inmunity at Emmanuel Gallery, Denver, CO; Blue Danube at Bluerider, Taipei City (2022); Great America X at Bluerider, Taipei (2017); From Argentina with Love at Vice Gallery, Wynwood, Miami, FL (2014); Bienal del Fin del Mundo at Castagnino Museum, Mar del Plata (2014); National Salon of Printmaking at Palais de Glace, Buenos Aires (2013); Kapilo + Ramiro at Carmen Sandiego Gallery, Buenos Aires (2012); and Natalia/Natalia at Centro Cultural España, Montevideo (2011). Estrada has participated in several artist-in-residence programs, including Understudy in Denver, CO (2021); RedLine Contemporary Art Center in Denver, CO (2018); and LaVallée in Brussels, Belgium (2015). He also took part in the Contemporary Artistic Practices Program at Gachi Prieto Gallery in Buenos Aires.