Mark Ryden's latest exhibition at Perrotin Los Angeles is a visual feast that embodies the artist's unique brand of whimsy and wonder. The show, titled "Eye Am," features 12 new works by the cult artist, each one a masterclass in technical virtuosity and conceptual clarity.
As viewers wander through the exhibition, they are treated to a world of surreal landscapes and fantastical creatures, all of which seem to exist in a state of suspended animation. There's the "Buccaneer" installation, where pirates and Pierrot clowns mingle with Barbie dolls and taxidermy animals, creating a scene that is both chaotic and mesmerizing.
At the heart of Ryden's work lies a deep sense of spirituality and connection to the natural world. His paintings often feature elements of sacred geometry and mystical symbolism, which he uses to tap into the deeper rhythms of existence. In "Creatura," for example, a young woman kneels in a glade surrounded by a menagerie of fantastical creatures, all of whom seem to be drawn into a shared moment of transcendence.
One of the most striking aspects of Ryden's work is its ability to balance the bizarre with the beautiful. His paintings often incorporate elements of pop culture and kitsch, but these are always subordinated to a deeper sense of wonder and awe. In "Eye Am #181," for example, a mysterious figure lies wide-eyed on a bed, staring at the title of the exhibition. The work is both deeply unsettling and strangely beautiful, a testament to Ryden's ability to craft paintings that are at once disturbing and enchanting.
Throughout the exhibition, Ryden is clear about his artistic vision: he wants to create works that are not just visually stunning, but also spiritually resonant. He sees himself as an artist who is tapping into a deeper current of human experience, one that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.
When asked about his creative process, Ryden reveals a sense of intuitive trust in the artwork itself. "My work grows organically rather than from a deliberate plan or hidden system," he says. "I love how viewers can possibly stumble across details they didn’t notice at first, because that mirrors the way I experience making the work."
Ultimately, Mark Ryden's "Eye Am" exhibition is a testament to the power of art to tap into our deepest hopes and desires. It is a world of wonder and enchantment, one that is both deeply strange and strangely beautiful. As we navigate its twisting corridors and surreal landscapes, we are reminded that, even in the most unexpected places, there lies the potential for transcendence and spiritual awakening.
As viewers wander through the exhibition, they are treated to a world of surreal landscapes and fantastical creatures, all of which seem to exist in a state of suspended animation. There's the "Buccaneer" installation, where pirates and Pierrot clowns mingle with Barbie dolls and taxidermy animals, creating a scene that is both chaotic and mesmerizing.
At the heart of Ryden's work lies a deep sense of spirituality and connection to the natural world. His paintings often feature elements of sacred geometry and mystical symbolism, which he uses to tap into the deeper rhythms of existence. In "Creatura," for example, a young woman kneels in a glade surrounded by a menagerie of fantastical creatures, all of whom seem to be drawn into a shared moment of transcendence.
One of the most striking aspects of Ryden's work is its ability to balance the bizarre with the beautiful. His paintings often incorporate elements of pop culture and kitsch, but these are always subordinated to a deeper sense of wonder and awe. In "Eye Am #181," for example, a mysterious figure lies wide-eyed on a bed, staring at the title of the exhibition. The work is both deeply unsettling and strangely beautiful, a testament to Ryden's ability to craft paintings that are at once disturbing and enchanting.
Throughout the exhibition, Ryden is clear about his artistic vision: he wants to create works that are not just visually stunning, but also spiritually resonant. He sees himself as an artist who is tapping into a deeper current of human experience, one that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.
When asked about his creative process, Ryden reveals a sense of intuitive trust in the artwork itself. "My work grows organically rather than from a deliberate plan or hidden system," he says. "I love how viewers can possibly stumble across details they didn’t notice at first, because that mirrors the way I experience making the work."
Ultimately, Mark Ryden's "Eye Am" exhibition is a testament to the power of art to tap into our deepest hopes and desires. It is a world of wonder and enchantment, one that is both deeply strange and strangely beautiful. As we navigate its twisting corridors and surreal landscapes, we are reminded that, even in the most unexpected places, there lies the potential for transcendence and spiritual awakening.