By Kally Compton
Through the vibrant strokes of nostalgia and the shadows of a hurried childhood, Rico “Ricky” Heeraman’s art is a canvas where innocence dances with experience, creating a visual legacy that transcends time. The Bronx-born multifaceted visual artist, who also has deep ties to his residential community of Paterson, New Jersey, has been exhibited at some of the world’s most intriguing venues. From Art Basel to murals that adorn the walls of iconic restaurants, record labels, and entertainment venues, to collaborations with figures including rappers Babyface and A Boogie wit Da Hoodie and brands such as Famous Nobodys and Ducati, Heeraman’s work is a transportive sensation.
Ricky Heeraman working on the mural at Sei Less in NYC. Courtesy of Ricky Heeraman.
How Did Artist Ricky Heeraman Develop His Craft?
His artistic story begins at age 11 when he first discovered graffiti. “I would walk home from school, and I would see all these guys just writing on the side of the buildings,” Heeraman remembers. “This shit is sick. I like what they're doing, the colors and stuff.” This always stuck with him and ignited his creativity.
Heeraman had a traditional upbringing, meaning that, during childhood, his art was only a hobby. “We always had that thing that we do in the bedroom away from everyone,” he claims. “That was my thing I did in the bedroom away from everyone. No one really knew about it.”
It wasn’t until around 2014 that Heeraman picked up a paint brush and began to take his art seriously. “It was just me tapping into the childhood stuff we grew up with and seeing how I could intertwine it with my heart,” he says.
Pop Culture Nostalgia: What Is Ricky Heeraman's Painting Style?
His artwork features many cartoon characters and 90s pop culture iconography like Mickey Mouse, Tom and Jerry, MTV, and more. Along with these nostalgic symbols, he includes imagery of naked women and sexualized versions of cartoon characters to further create a dreamscape for viewers and get a peek into his creative mind.
“That’s been more my style of painting,” Heeraman shares, “that retro nineties vintage shit that I grew up with. It's crazy.”
Courtesy of Ricky Heeraman.
Ricky Heeraman's Commissions: From Jue Lan Club To Art Basel, Sei Less, And Panda
He combines this child-like whimsy with these erotic images to show the dichotomy of growing up too fast. “I just took stuff that I was going through, feelings, emotions,” he notes. “I didn't have a long childhood; the things we saw in our neighborhood, the things we had to do… Growing up back then you grew up a little quicker than some other kids.”
With a decade of work under his belt as a multi-medium artist, Heeraman claims,“I want to leave a legacy behind. So I'm focusing on what I love to do, and making people fall in love with my work.”
And fall in love they did. The creator’s first major commission came from New York landmark the Jue Lan Club, where he painted the restaurant’s exclusive Graffiti Alley, patio and kitchen entrance as well as four large-scale paintings in the celebrity-favorite private dining area. From this prestigious project came invitations to Art Basel, brand collaborations, and new recognition by the galleries that had previously rejected his street style.
In January 2022 he was commissioned by owners of noted Asian fusion restaurant Sei Less to paint their VIP room, which has hosted the likes of Kanye West, 2 Chainz, Kevin Durant, and New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “[They said] Do your thing. We're going to give you the private room,” he shares. “And I was like, yeah, sure—Say less.”
A month later the owners of Panda, a 5,000 square foot restaurant in Harlem, called Heeraman up to fill the space top to bottom with his art. His largest project to date, Heeraman worked nearly 12 hours a day for seven to complete it. One of the restaurant’s staff asked if he had someone to help him to which he replied, “No man, I’m a one man show.” While Heeraman would love to have an assistant or apprentice, the costs are high for hiring help, and he wants to find someone who understands his vision and process through and through.
“I want to be a big artist—a household name,” he says. “I want to expand in different avenues. I don't want to be one dimensional.”
Ricky Heeraman On Ceramics And Pottery
Recently he’s gotten into the world of sculpture through ceramic making. Heeraman spent all last year in the pottery studio honing his craft. “I fell in love with it,” he grins.
Courtesy of Ricky Heeraman.
Using this artform as therapy, he grew more skillful and began to experiment with various glazes and techniques. He now has several collections of ceramics from cups and plates to ashtrays, which he considers an extension of him.
“Truth be told, I'm not as vibrant of a person,” Heeraman shares. “People think my painting is my personality, [but] I'm a very big introvert.” So what inspires these muted blues and neutral tones in his ceramics? Alongside anime and cartoons, he’s always had a love for ancient history—dinosaur fossils and all. “That's why I picked that color scheme that I always do,” he notes.” I want it to have that look of an artifact.”
His current and upcoming ceramics collections will further cement his long lasting legacy. While the innovator is currently not selling these pieces, he hopes to partner with chefs and restaurants to collaborate on artful culinary experiences using his ceramics.
What's Next For Ricky Heeraman?
More ceramics and paintings are coming in the future and even some digital work. Heeraman alludes to an NFT project in development that is set to release sometime this year. He also hopes to eventually take his work not only bicoastally but internationally. Who knows, maybe we’ll see his ceramics in a Japanese gallery or his murals on the walls of a Thai town.
Ricky Heeraman's artistic journey, marked by the fusion of nostalgia and the urgency of growing up, unfolds as a vibrant canvas of experiences. From graffiti-inspired beginnings to becoming a multi-medium artist, his legacy thrives through murals, ceramics, and an upcoming NFT project. As he expands internationally, Heeraman's muted-toned ceramics, inspired by ancient history, reflect the introverted artist behind the lively paintings. With an unwavering focus on leaving a lasting legacy, he aims to collaborate with chefs and continue captivating audiences with his diverse, multidimensional art. The future holds promise for Ricky Heeraman, a household name in the making.
For more about Ricky Heeraman, visit thericocollection.net or follow @rickyheeraman on Instagram.
*A version of this article originally appeared in Honeysuckle's 18th print edition. Click here to order and choose your element - Fire with Bun B or Ice with Queen P!
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Featured image: Ricky Heeraman with his mural at Sei Less, NYC. Courtesy of Ricky Heeraman.
