About Ricardo
Born in 1975, Ricardo van Zwol grew up in the vibrant city of Rotterdam, where his passion for drawing and painting took root early in life. Art quickly became a central part of his existence, and his talent did not go unnoticed. From a young age, he was given the chance to transform his creative hobby into a professional career, setting the stage for a journey dedicated to artistic expression. Ricardo is passionate about creating large mural paintings. His distinctive style blends geometric shapes with lifelike portraits and unique color schemes, making his work easily recognizable. He draws inspiration for his portraits from the people around him, infusing each piece with a personal and authentic touch.
Art in Public Spaces
A significant aspect of his work is creating art in public spaces. Ricardo has extensive experience working on various surfaces and at great heights. His creations can be seen throughout Rotterdam and beyond, with collaborations including the Municipality of Rotterdam, Rijkswaterstaat, Stedin, housing corporations, associations, businesses, and private clients. He has also contributed to projects that bring art into neighborhoods and engage local communities. These projects foster connection, bringing participants and residents together to create something meaningful. His work adds color and character to urban environments, transforming dull concrete into inspiring spaces. This, in turn, boosts community pride and leaves a positive, lasting impact on neighborhoods.
Ricardo’s Journey
After studying at the Grafisch Lyceum in Rotterdam, he held various creative positions at several companies. In 2000, he embarked on a professional career as a muralist. During his early years, he specialized in painting portraits, trompe l’oeil, and landscapes. Over time, his work evolved from canvases and wooden panels to large-scale murals on buildings, in restaurants, and within office spaces. His creations have made an impact not only in the Netherlands but also in Ireland, solidifying his reputation within the street art culture.
1992 – 1995
From 1992 to 1995, experience was gained at a traditional painting company. This period provided extensive knowledge about surfaces, materials, and products. It involved identifying durable products, selecting the right product for specific surfaces, and understanding how materials react to various weather conditions.
1995 – 2001
Between 1995 and 2001, work was conducted at an advertising agency. This role allowed for the development of brainstorming techniques and design skills, which remain highly applicable in various projects. Expertise in combining colors to create strong and complementary designs was also refined during this time.
2001 – 2006
From 2001 to 2006, work was undertaken at a company specializing in theme construction. Projects included collaborations with hospitality businesses, museums, and amusement parks, such as the Efteling. Tasks involved building 3D objects from materials like wood and foam, as well as decorating elements such as rock formations, aged facades, and trees. This experience contributed to the ability to handle large-scale and intricate creative projects.
2006 – Present
In 2006, an independent career path was established with a focus on creating murals. The business began under the name R75 Spatial Design and later transitioned to R75 Studio for Artwork. A broad range of experience ensures the capability to successfully manage projects from initial concept to final execution.