A.E. Ryan: Dangerous Cooks and Falling Arches May 7 - June 12, 1998 Curated by Michelle Fiorenza My work is a synthesis of image and narrative-a melding of sculpture and painting. My palette is a myriad of found and reclaimed objects. It ranges from the magical to the mundane from discarded and transformed wood and metal objects to fabrics, old trims and ephemera, acrylic paints and gels. The realized pieces celebrate the textures, colors and compositions peculiar to found, cannibalized and recodified objects. The constructions are crafted in an overlayed fashion, and suggest ambiguous tales told in illusionistic spaces. Homage is paid to Gothic and Early Renaissance Mediterranean iconic art and architecture. A contemporary wry and ironic sensibility presents a provocative counterpoint to these timeless forms. Shifts in Scale and plane abound unexpectantly. I enjoy moving back and forth in my pieces from those that seem reliquary-like, to those that speak of architecture and climate. They seem to present the interior and the exterior, and easily compliment each other. Images and ideas gleaned from the Surrealists, as well as the early Sienese painters are reflected in many of the compositions. A profound appreciation for destinations like Italy, southern France and Spain colors my sense of place and longing. As a final note: It is axiomatic amongst my friends to Throw (Out) Nothing Till You Hear From Me ... Everyone is cheerfully encouraged to join me in this obsessional hunt! Go to the Dean's Gallery home page