RYAN ART

Artist Statement

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Inspired by my three daughters, I paint narratives about girlhood. As a mother and painter, I am constantly observing these young-women-to-be to see that they are thriving and well. The paintings reflect this watchful eye. Using events and concepts from our real lives, I explore the psychological and fleeting moments that make us who we are. Sometimes my daughters collaborate with me and we plan paintings together in settings such as forest fire sites and strange fancy picnic scenes in the desert.

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The content of my work is linked to a long history of painting women, but my style and representation of girls depart from that tradition. Quality drawing and certain steps of underpainting are important to me, but I reduce and abstract the details –making bold gestural brushstrokes to complete the expression or composition. Most importantly, unlike the docile commodities of the past, the girls in my paintings are dignified and present. This is a new image of girlhood for contemporary art and culture.

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