In a dazzling display of whimsy and wonder, Mark Ryden's latest solo exhibition at Perrotin Los Angeles has drawn a crowd of devotees clad in elaborate costumes. The show, titled "Eye Am," is a masterclass in the artist's signature blend of kitsch, surrealism, and spiritual exploration.
As viewers wander through the gallery, they're immersed in a fantastical world where taxidermy animals mingle with porcelain dolls, and yams are the stars of the show. It's a scene that's equal parts Ryden's own making and a testament to his boundless imagination.
Ryden, known as the godfather of Pop Surrealism, has long been fascinated by the intersection of science and spirituality. In works like "Creatura," he blurs the lines between real and imagined creatures, weaving together elements of mythology and symbolism to create an otherworldly atmosphere. The painting features a young woman kneeling in a lush landscape surrounded by fantastical flora and fauna, including an anthropomorphic cat and a miniature pink elephant.
This is Ryden's vision of spiritual enlightenment – one that seeks to transcend the boundaries between science and spirituality, and instead finds meaning in the interconnectedness of all living things. As he once said, "I am drawn to sacred geometry because it is the intersection of science and spirituality, which feels very natural to who I am."
In works like "Communion #183," Ryden explores the complexities of spiritual ritual, depicting Christ as a sommelier pouring Holy Wine from his stigmata into glass chalices held by young girls in communion dresses. The scene is both bucolic and unsettling, a testament to Ryden's ability to find the beauty in the absurd.
Throughout "Eye Am," Ryden's technical virtuosity shines through, as he marries conceptual clarity with intuitive flair. His use of color, texture, and composition is masterful, creating an atmosphere that's both dreamlike and deeply unsettling.
For Ryden, mystery is sacred – a vehicle to spiritual enlightenment that refuses direct interpretation. As he once said about his work, "Searching for a clear explanation for the yam misses what really matters." Instead of spelling out his intentions, Ryden invites viewers to immerse themselves in the world he's created, to explore the hidden meanings and symbolism that unfold like a puzzle.
As you wander through "Eye Am," you can't help but be swept up by Ryden's infectious enthusiasm for the surreal and the unknown. It's an exhibition that will leave you questioning the boundaries between reality and fantasy, and maybe even searching for your own path to spiritual enlightenment along the way.
As viewers wander through the gallery, they're immersed in a fantastical world where taxidermy animals mingle with porcelain dolls, and yams are the stars of the show. It's a scene that's equal parts Ryden's own making and a testament to his boundless imagination.
Ryden, known as the godfather of Pop Surrealism, has long been fascinated by the intersection of science and spirituality. In works like "Creatura," he blurs the lines between real and imagined creatures, weaving together elements of mythology and symbolism to create an otherworldly atmosphere. The painting features a young woman kneeling in a lush landscape surrounded by fantastical flora and fauna, including an anthropomorphic cat and a miniature pink elephant.
This is Ryden's vision of spiritual enlightenment – one that seeks to transcend the boundaries between science and spirituality, and instead finds meaning in the interconnectedness of all living things. As he once said, "I am drawn to sacred geometry because it is the intersection of science and spirituality, which feels very natural to who I am."
In works like "Communion #183," Ryden explores the complexities of spiritual ritual, depicting Christ as a sommelier pouring Holy Wine from his stigmata into glass chalices held by young girls in communion dresses. The scene is both bucolic and unsettling, a testament to Ryden's ability to find the beauty in the absurd.
Throughout "Eye Am," Ryden's technical virtuosity shines through, as he marries conceptual clarity with intuitive flair. His use of color, texture, and composition is masterful, creating an atmosphere that's both dreamlike and deeply unsettling.
For Ryden, mystery is sacred – a vehicle to spiritual enlightenment that refuses direct interpretation. As he once said about his work, "Searching for a clear explanation for the yam misses what really matters." Instead of spelling out his intentions, Ryden invites viewers to immerse themselves in the world he's created, to explore the hidden meanings and symbolism that unfold like a puzzle.
As you wander through "Eye Am," you can't help but be swept up by Ryden's infectious enthusiasm for the surreal and the unknown. It's an exhibition that will leave you questioning the boundaries between reality and fantasy, and maybe even searching for your own path to spiritual enlightenment along the way.
OMG, have you seen Mark Ryden's latest show at Perrotin LA? 
I'm completely obsessed with it! The guy is like a master of surrealism and kitsch - I love how he combines taxidermy animals with porcelain dolls and yams (who knew they were the stars of the show?) 
. His art always makes me feel like I'm stepping into a fantastical world that's equal parts weird and wonderful.
. It's like he wants us to immerse ourselves in the world he's created and find our own meaning.
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but honestly, who needs meaning when you can just appreciate the aesthetic? 
and those yams tho, they're like the real stars of the show 
! The costumes are insane lol, I feel like I'm walking into a fantasy world 
What I don't get is why some people think it's weird or unsettling, to me it's just beautiful and thought-provoking. Maybe that's the magic of Ryden's art - it makes you feel something deeply, even if you're not always sure what it is 
I'm not really sure what to make of it, but that's kinda the point - Mark Ryden wants us to explore our own thoughts and feelings about what we see, rather than just understanding it on a surface level.
. And yeah, some of the pieces can be a bit unsettling, but that's part of the magic, right? For me, the whole thing feels like a big puzzle, and I'd love to spend more time figuring it out 
️. The way he blends kitsch and surrealism with spiritual exploration is so unique and captivating 
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. It's all about embracing the surreal and the unknown, and finding meaning in the interconnectedness of all living things 
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. If you're looking for something that will challenge your perceptions and inspire your imagination, this is definitely the show to check out 
it's like he's inviting us to step into his inner world and see what weird beauty he's discovered there. And you know what? I think that's exactly what we need more of in our lives – a little bit of that weirdness and wonder.
. Like, he's got taxidermy animals with porcelain dolls and yams everywhere... it's a whole different world 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to see Christ as a sommelier pouring wine from his stigmata? 
. What do you guys think? Want to explore some weird spiritual stuff with Mark Ryden?
. And that painting "Creatura" is giving me all the feels 
And can we talk about his use of color? 
. Ryden's art is all about inviting you in and exploring the unknown, and that's what makes it so captivating 
. Where's the evidence? What's his actual research or expertise in this field? All this "sacred geometry" and "interconnectedness of all living things" just sounds like a fancy way of saying he likes weird stuff 
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. Until then, I'm out 
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For me, that's what makes his art so compelling: it's not just about looking at pretty pictures, it's about stepping into this otherworldly realm and exploring the unknown 
It's like stepping into a dream or something 
. And that yam thing... I'm not really sure what to make of it, but in a good way 
. And don't even get me started on the costumes people are wearing - I'm no fashion expert but some of those looks seem straight out of a bad sci-fi movie 
. The art itself is definitely eye-catching, I'll give Mark Ryden that... his use of texture and composition is pretty impressive 
where art and weirdness collide. Ryden's got this crazy ability to merge disparate things - taxidermy, dolls, yams... and it works! his stuff's like a fever dream that's both fascinating and unnerving at the same time 
. i mean, who needs explanations when you can just dive in and see what kinda weirdness you can find?