Mark Ryden's latest exhibition, "Eye Am," at Perrotin Los Angeles is a celebration of whimsy and wonder, where the boundaries between reality and fantasy are blissfully blurred. For decades, the godfather of Pop Surrealism has been weaving a tapestry of surreal worlds, inviting viewers to embark on a journey of discovery.
As guests arrived at the exhibition, they were immersed in a kaleidoscope of characters - Buccaneers, Pierrot clowns, and even stag-horned fey - all united by Ryden's signature style. The show features 12 new works by the artist, each one a testament to his boundless creativity and technical skill.
Throughout the exhibition, Ryden's paintings transport us to fantastical realms, where the surreal and the bizarre coexist in perfect harmony. In "Creatura," a young woman kneels in a glade surrounded by flora and fauna, while a large pulmonate cat gazes reverently at a stellated tetrahedron - an ancient implement of spiritual ascension.
Ryden's fascination with geometry and sacred symbols is evident throughout the show. In "Eye Am #181," a mysterious figure lies wide-eyed in a bed, staring at the name of the exhibition, while in another piece, the artist incorporates Greek letters into the composition, creating an eerie atmosphere of vulnerability and quiet unease.
While some may see Ryden's work as kitsch or even sacrilegious, the artist sees it as a vehicle for spiritual enlightenment. He often incorporates elements from pop culture and Jungian theory into his work, marrying the phenomenal with the subconscious. For him, the mystery behind his art is sacred, and he believes that searching for clear explanations can detract from its true meaning.
As Ryden himself said, "I am not looking for a clear explanation for the yam misses what really matters." Instead, he invites viewers to step into his surreal worlds, where the boundaries between reality and fantasy are blissfully blurred. In doing so, we find ourselves lost in a sea of wonder and awe, our spirits nourished by Ryden's boundless creativity and technical skill.
Ultimately, "Eye Am" is an exhibition that will leave you questioning what is real and what is not, but also leaving you with a sense of peace and spiritual inspiration. Mark Ryden's latest work is a testament to his enduring talent and his ability to create worlds that are both fantastical and deeply unsettling - worlds that invite us to step into the unknown, and to surrender to the whimsy and wonder of it all.
As guests arrived at the exhibition, they were immersed in a kaleidoscope of characters - Buccaneers, Pierrot clowns, and even stag-horned fey - all united by Ryden's signature style. The show features 12 new works by the artist, each one a testament to his boundless creativity and technical skill.
Throughout the exhibition, Ryden's paintings transport us to fantastical realms, where the surreal and the bizarre coexist in perfect harmony. In "Creatura," a young woman kneels in a glade surrounded by flora and fauna, while a large pulmonate cat gazes reverently at a stellated tetrahedron - an ancient implement of spiritual ascension.
Ryden's fascination with geometry and sacred symbols is evident throughout the show. In "Eye Am #181," a mysterious figure lies wide-eyed in a bed, staring at the name of the exhibition, while in another piece, the artist incorporates Greek letters into the composition, creating an eerie atmosphere of vulnerability and quiet unease.
While some may see Ryden's work as kitsch or even sacrilegious, the artist sees it as a vehicle for spiritual enlightenment. He often incorporates elements from pop culture and Jungian theory into his work, marrying the phenomenal with the subconscious. For him, the mystery behind his art is sacred, and he believes that searching for clear explanations can detract from its true meaning.
As Ryden himself said, "I am not looking for a clear explanation for the yam misses what really matters." Instead, he invites viewers to step into his surreal worlds, where the boundaries between reality and fantasy are blissfully blurred. In doing so, we find ourselves lost in a sea of wonder and awe, our spirits nourished by Ryden's boundless creativity and technical skill.
Ultimately, "Eye Am" is an exhibition that will leave you questioning what is real and what is not, but also leaving you with a sense of peace and spiritual inspiration. Mark Ryden's latest work is a testament to his enduring talent and his ability to create worlds that are both fantastical and deeply unsettling - worlds that invite us to step into the unknown, and to surrender to the whimsy and wonder of it all.