Cristiam Ramos has immortalised Robin Williams, Emma Watson, Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga and Elton John using the quirky technique.

Cristiam Ramos is a breath of fresh air to the artworld. Minty fresh air that is. The quirky artist has immortalised celebrities in iconic portraits using nothing but toothpaste. The paintings of the stars - including Robin Williams, Emma Watson, Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga and Elton John - are crafted with various brands of the household item.

Each artwork takes the artist up to 200 hours to create and can use as much as 30 tubes of toothpaste. "The smell can also be quite overwhelming, which was challenging during the long days of up to 10 hours painting." Ramos, who is originally from Mexico and started painting aged just five, has produced a host of unusual artworks during his career including ones made from sweets and recycled cans.

"I begin by finger painting the first layer and then let it dry. Then I throw on the next layer to begin giving it the tones required as toothpaste can almost be transparent. I keep applying coats until I get the tone I want, sometimes I have to use brushes to the smallest details."

Ramos said: "I thought it would be the best way to honour a man who gave his life to make us laugh. That's why I wanted to do the works in toothpaste as this is associated with your best smile, and that was what he gave us - laughter and smiles." The other celebrity artworks will be exhibited in different galleries across Florida, Hollywood and New York.

Back to Headlines