Rob Ryan is the coolest, wildy-haired, paper cutter I have ever met. Yes met. I forgot how to use the ticket machines, stuck my head in a bum hole, played catch up with an old friend, and then, today, I met Mr Robert Ryan.
For Rob Ryan does indeed exude cool (see pic below). Not in a I-dressed-for-the-occasion way like many of the younguns darting about the Pick Me Up Contemporary Graphic Art Fair busily but orderly print-screening at Somerset House.
The work on sale and the work being churned out while you watch is vibrant and impressive, but holds nothing on the wonder of Ryan Town. Now he has been there in his makeshift studio for a few days he looked relaxed enough, although there was a tangible taste in the air of agitation, like watching an animal pace its cage at the zoo. We skirted along, almost against, the walls so densely covered with I doubt every single sketch & piece of inspiration of his work but still, enough to give you an idea. This man has found love. And if he hasn't, if it is all just fabricated, then he's a damn good pseudo romantic.
A3 card cut to within an inch of its life that looks far more fragile than it is (which I suppose is the point; the emotive sentences Rob Ryan etches into his work are both delicate and powerful, fragile and strong.) just begs to be touched (which we did - don't tell him, please). Though we did wonder if he has got to that point where he can just sit back and survey; we noticed how there were a lot of girls blue-tacking and unblue-tacking and printing and cutting, and how exactly one might get the job as one of Rob Ryans' personal minions. What pressure though, Christ! If you've seen any of Rob Ryan's work you will know what I mean...here's a taster.
above: busy little bees.
above: cool as cucumber art students.
above: example of students work.
above: The offending hole.
There he is, give us a smile. Thanks Rob.
"OTHER PLANETS CANNOT BE AS BEAUTIFUL AS THIS ONE"
No comments:
Post a Comment