Studio View. Various Sizes
Never have I coveted a piece of art as much as when I first saw Ryan Bradley’s work. It was akin to falling in love, and I joked with the artist that I would be willing to beg, borrow or steal to own one of his paintings. But I wasn’t really joking; I need my very own Ryan Bradley.
Untitled (Pink I) Detail, Pastel & Gouache on Arches. 34.5"W x 52"H
First, I thought about trying to obtain one through osmosis. I tried to coerce coworkers, family members and even a first date into buying one. I explained that it would be a great investment, that his work is undervalued and that in a couple of years will be worth five or 10 times the current selling value. You see, not only is his work stunningly beautiful, perfectly executed and completely original, but the artist is legally blind. He has been slowly losing his sight since the 90s, but the quality of his work obviously has not suffered. It takes him three to six months to create his complex, photo-realistic, portraits that are made up of intricate patterns of negative space inspired from “floral motifs and rococo ornamentation.”
Untitled (Spade I), Pastel on Arches. 40"W x 60"H.
Untitled (Pink III), Pastel & Gouache on Arches. 34.5"W x 52"H
Bradley is now preparing his next solo show in March 2013 at the Lyons Wier Gallery in Chelsea. There are a few pieces for sale at the gallery now that I am still hoping will be mine, so if you want to do me a favor, stay away, or buy me one. But if you’re smart, you’ll beat me to it and get your very own Ryan Bradley.
You can see more of Bradley’s work at lyonswiergallery.com. Along with a collection of other artists, works by Ryan Bradley will be on display at the “Resourced: The Influence of Photography in Contemporary Art” group exhibition from February 2 to 25 at the Lyons Wier Gallery at 542 West 24th St.
—Mia Macfarlane
