Made in Melbourne! Enjoyed Nationally! - Q Magazine

q art: RYAN DAVIS - BLUE
Blue – A Retrospective.
"Blue" is a range of works inspired by
the post impressionists caught in the
cusp of Pop Art. Further inspired by
twentieth century beach culture, washed
with this touch of Pop Art, Ryan creates
a range of paintings from big blue skies
with everyday beach life to detailed
wallpapered patterns, featuring unique
and abstract narratives.
These works will stimulate everyone's visual
library of big blue skies with everyday scenes
of beach life and people having fun.
Born in England in 1972, Ryan and his family
came to Australia on an ocean liner called "The
Australia" on a family ticket costing 26 pounds.
Throughout this body of work, we can see a
heavy influence of Australian landscape and
culture. Ryan’s technique also shows the refinement and control of the European classics.
Obtaining a degree in three-dimensional design, from the University of Newcastle in the UK, Ryan’s technique was further developed
whilst travelling throughout Europe and studying the works of such artists as Monet, Constable and Dali. Ryan has now returned to
Australia and calls Melbourne home.
"I have always admired people such a Jeffrey Smart. His
clean palette and fun subject matter has drawn me to push
my work into the surreal arena. Smart, Constable and the
likes of Monet make a wonderful blend of inspiration
combining my heritage and past eight years in Melbourne,"
says Ryan.
Ryan calls upon smart techniques to create works of art
arresting in realism and engaging in visual and narrative
wit. He recognises the power of realism and uses his
training in three-dimensional design to great effect, whilst
still calling upon traditional techniques so to lay the intricate
patterns that he uses [without the use of stencils] and with
an interest in visual concepts and conceits to express his
narratives.
For the last five years Ryan has been exhibiting work across
Australia and Asia. He is also a commission artist, who
has done works for companies such as Paint Right, and
numerous bars and cafes and private collectors.
"I believe a painting should not be placed on a wall to fill
a space, but to inspire the onlooker, to evoke thought and
feeling, tell a story and record times gone by."
Open now at Arterial (74 Hoddle Street, Abbotsford), running
to the 13th June. Weekdays - 12pm to 7pm Sat-Sun -
10am to 6pm