Fine Art Connoisseur
Dodecahedron
By Andrew Webster – January 8, 2016
Representation, skill, and fantasy all come together in the works of L.A.-based artist Mark Ryden, who recently unveiled his newest paintings — and sculpture — in a thought-provoking exhibition.
"Dymaxion Principle", Oil on canvas, 44” x 18”, 2015
“Anatomia” Oil on canvas, 54" x 30", 2014
Relying upon a variety of historical traditions, artist Mark Ryden has established a career through his eclectic imagery. "Dodecahedron" — Ryden's latest solo exhibition — opened on December 10 at Paul Kasmin Gallery in New York City. Via the exhibition press release, Ryden "combines the grandeur of Spanish and Italian religious painting with the decorative richness of Old Master compositions and the lush textures of French Neo-Classicism. Expanding on these concepts, the artist's paintings focus on 'the soul confronting its physical form' as represented by his reoccurring feminine child figure, he calls 'anima' or 'soul' figure. These anima figures appear under different guises, such as in 'Anatomia,' 2015 and 'Aurora,' 2015. For the artist, they represent the part of us that wonders at the elegant mathematics that exists underneath everything and the sacred geometry that constructs our physical world."
The show will also feature Ryden's first ever sculpture, a 12-sided dodecahedron cast in bronze. "Each panel is individually cast and features images and motifs that have been prevalent throughout the artist's oeuvre such as; the tree, the eye, the fetus, the bee, the ammonite, and Abraham Lincoln," as the gallery states. Whether it Ryden's existential concept, his immense talent, or both, the exhibition is sure to be a fascinating and entertaining visit.
"Chroma Structure 113", Oil on canvas, 30” x 20”, 2015
"Dodecahedron" opened on December 10, 2015 and was on view through January 23, 2016. To learn more, visit Paul Kasmin Gallery.