ABOUT: ROB RYAN

I am a Boston area artist working in the genre commonly known as "low-brow" or "pop-surrealism", a thriving new genus of art which found a name and popularity on the west coast during the early 1990's. This new sub-sect has become highly admired among many collectors, entertainers, and youth orientated sub-cultures.

However, I break from the pattern of low-brow and pop-surrealism by developing strategies which deliberately communicate subject matter loaded with sociological and psychological undertones derived from my life and experiences. I believe in painting what you know, how you've lived.

My petite protagonists, engaging confrontational stares, blazing oriental carpets, knives, fireballs, are a deliberate attempt to challenge the Viewers perception of beauty while creating an enigma of powerful angst and discontent. I draw my audience in via a burning palette of colors and compositional movement. Upon closer inspection I want the Viewer to be tested by the figures circumstances and direction of the piece. The union of bold visual imagery, coupled with emotionally and intellectually charged depth creates a powerful connection between art and the viewer.

I was born in Boston, Massachusetts, educated at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Bridgewater State University, and hold an MBA from Babson College - F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business. When I am not in the studio, I spend my days working within the area of social business implementation and change management.