As part of our collaboration with Moleskine and the Moleskine Foundation, three NYC Salt alumni—Devin Osorio, BRONKS, and Ruben Dario Ramirez—were each given 64 notebooks to customize as part of a special creative project. While Moleskine regularly donates notebooks to support our students' artistic journeys, this initiative offered alumni the chance to transform the iconic notebooks into personal, community-rooted works of art. In 2024, the hand-painted, limited-edition notebooks were on display at Moleskine’s flagship store at Monihyan train hall. The notebooks are also available for purchase here!
Devin Osorio honors Dominican heritage through symbolic, shrine-like imagery rooted in Washington Heights. BRONKS merges physical and digital techniques inspired by his Puerto Rican roots and Bronx upbringing. Ruben Dario Ramirez turns his love for Uptown New York into a vibrant tribute to neighborhood life, from bodegas to barber shops.
Devin osorio
Devin Osorio (1993) was part of NYC SALT's first cohort in 2005 in Washington Heights. They are a multi-disciplinary artist based in the Lower East Side, New York City.
Using shared and self-reflective symbolism, Osorio honors Dominican culture through shrine-like paintings that incorporate plants, animals, and glyphs to create a visual vernacular for the Dominican American community.
Osorio explores Washington Heights by contrasting the Wecquaesgeek people's traditional use of the area with modern Dominican culture. By blending the real with the fantastical, Osorio seeks to connect personal and community histories.
BRONKS
BRONKS, an artist influenced by the vibrant culture of the Bronx and New York City's street art, skillfully blends the physical and digital realms through his work.
Utilizing photographic techniques, 3D printing, and design, BRONKS crafts a unique artistic experience.
His journey began as a form of escapism during the pandemic shutdown, evolving into a passionate exploration of skills beyond his photography career. Drawing inspiration from his Puerto Rican heritage and Bronx upbringing, BRONKS seeks to merge physical and digital platforms, creating art that reflects his roots and contemporary influences.
RUBEN “DARIO” RAMIREZ
This project is my love letter to Uptown, the place where I grew up and where I get inspired by, every day.
I want to celebrate the beauty and culture of our communities, showing the spirit and joy of vibrant inner-city neighborhoods.
From Bodegas to Barber shops, sweet abuelas, and the savory smell of street empanadas - I want you to see Uptown how I see it- how our community sees it.
