Robert Edward Franklin "REF" is an American visual artist known for his ready made paintings on canvas, wood and other random found materials combining an array of collage and graffiti based on his own universe of symbols usually suspended in a thick layer oil, ink and acrylic paints. He has been creating art in various forms throughout his life but it wasn’t until 2001 that he started creating work on a full-time basis. Characterized by unconventional materials assembled into bold compositions that challenge viewers to reconsider their perceptions of beauty deconstructed or reimagined. REF’s ready mades are fabricated layered conversations of memories, identity, culture, and the human experience. An aesthetic that oscillates between energetic, impulsive strokes and calming poetic design. He creates vibes akin to Neo-expressionism with a nod to Matisse, Basquiat, Pollock and Dubuffet. His abstract pieces serve as a catalyst for reflection.