Bio

I am Angel Rafael “Ralph” Vázquez-Concepción, born in the vibrant culture of Puerto Rico in 1981 and now living in the dynamic city of San Francisco, California. As a gay visual artist, independent curator, and educator, my work represents a multidimensional journey through multimedia, conceptual art, abstract painting, and the intricate process of exhibition design. 

My current investigations delve deep into US atomic culture and nuclear technology narratives, drawing inspiration from the historical evolution of abstraction and the vast universes of speculative fiction, as well as history with a capital H. This exploration is more than an artistic endeavor; it’s a commentary on the debates surrounding humanity’s future energy production and the lasting effects of the atomic age, especially in the context of climate change.

I completed my Master’s in Curatorial Practice at the California College of the Arts in 2015. Since then, my work has been displayed in prestigious venues across Puerto Rico, the US, and Kazakhstan, as well as online, reflecting the scope of my creative and intellectual pursuits.

A transformation in my artistic direction became especially pronounced during a pivotal visit to the National Museum of Nuclear Science and Technology in 2015 with mentor Leigh Markopoulos and my curatorial practice Master’s cohort. This experience inspired me to weave nuclear science themes into my creative practice. My work explores atomic science’s nuanced and often contradictory nature—its immense power, potential, ethical dilemmas, and existential questions. Through my art, I aim to interlace the complexities of science, history, and art, reflecting on the human condition viewed through the atomic age. I invite viewers into a profound dialogue on the intersection of technology, ethics, and the possibilities that lie ahead.

Additionally, I am an avid collector of uranium glass, with pieces sourced from across the globe, including the US, the UK, France, and Eastern Europe. This collection reflects my fascination with how this material, centuries old, spans history. I aim to tell a story through this collection, highlighting its historical significance, especially as its production became streamlined in the mid-20th century. As an artist, I thrive on using materials like uranium glass to craft narratives that connect past and present.

Since 2018, I have expanded my educational expertise by obtaining a Secondary Education in History and Social Studies degree from San Francisco State University and pursuing a second M.A. in Library and Information Sciences at San Jose State University. My passion for literacy, education, and research coalesces in my role as a public school teacher-librarian in San Francisco.

For studio visits (either in San Francisco or virtually), exhibition inquiries, or if you’re interested in purchasing my work, please email me at ralph.vazquez@gmail.com or drop a comment below. You can also visit Cranium Corporation, my site for curatorial research.