Jennifer C. Ryan
Statement
In my work, I create miniscule worlds inspired by medieval Christian
altarpieces--the multipanelled boxes that celebrated the work and death of saints and martyrs.
Instead of religious figures, I am struck by the shocking beauty of life in inhospitable places and perseverance
where none is expected, and so I paint stories of these battles.
In addition to painting images of these worlds, I reconstruct
garbage (which also tends to last much longer than expected) into altarpieces. I make
old wooden drawers into boxes, paint on gessoed scraps of old fabric, and add remains--fish skeletons, dead
insects, hair, seeds--as souvenirs of life.
I celebrate the strength and tenacity of people, nature and
relationships.
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