Bryan Ryley

SPIRIT LEVEL

2004

Operating from his Vernon, British Columbia studio, Bryan Ryley has established himself as a significant contemporary Canadian abstract artist. His rigorous and sustained practice intricately explores the dynamic interplay between figure and ground across painting, drawing, and collage, with thoughtful incursions into sculpture and photography. This cross-media approach serves as a vital methodology through which Ryley meticulously dissects and reimagines core principles of structure, seriality, and the inherent expressive potential of diverse materials. At the heart of Ryley's artistic investigation lies a profound engagement with figure/ground relationships, operating on both psychological and visual levels. He perceives these relationships as being in constant flux, perpetually shifting the viewer's perceptual platform and resisting fixed interpretations. This core conceptual framework informs his deliberate construction of visual experiences that reflect the dynamic structure of how we perceive and make sense of the world around us. This concept is particularly evident in his paperwork. Ryley establishes the ground before applying black acrylic, which is scraped across the surface in varying thicknesses, partially revealing underlying elements. He intuitively responds, allowing emotive feelings to guide figurative shapes. The introduction of used canvas tarp, with its inherent history, becomes a key element, often centrally placed to create a visual tension between figures and field, where focus can shift dominance. This nuanced process highlights Ryley's exploration of perception and the dialogue between intention and chance. Underlying Ryley's practice is an intentional choice of materials, particularly stained and discarded tarps, which he finds inherently beautiful and politically charged. This elevation of non-'fine art' materials challenges conventional perspectives and illustrates his engagement with shifting figure/ground dynamics, imbuing his work with layers of meaning. Ultimately, Ryley views his work as a celebration of the inherent struggle within these relationships, resonating with universal human experience. Ryley exhibits in Canada and the United States, garnering critical acclaim and collector attention. His work is included in the permanent collections of the Government of Canada, the Canadian Consulate in Paris, The Canada Council Art Bank, the British Columbia Art Collection, the Kelowna and Vernon Public Art Galleries, Pratt Institute, and the Racine Art Museum. Corporate collections include Canadian Pacific and SunLife Financial. His broader recognition includes features in World of Interiors and British Vogue. His formative education at Pratt Institute (MFA Honours) and the University of Victoria (BFA Honours), along with participation in the Whitney Museum Graduate program, provided a strong foundation. The pivotal experience of the Emma Lake workshops, engaging with influential figures, refined his understanding of abstract language and the relationship between intention and outcome. Bryan Ryley’s artistic practice represents a sustained and critical inquiry into abstract art and perception. His meticulously executed works are held in significant public and corporate collections across Canada and the United States. His compelling vision has resonated widely, inviting engagement with his unique exploration of the dynamic interplay between figure and ground, material and meaning, ultimately reflecting the complexities of human experience.