Fallen

7 April - 20 May 2012

Installation Views

Overview

April 7th, 2012, Don Gallery proudly presents the long-awaited “Fallen”, the second solo exhibition by Irish artist Michael Ryan. The 2010 "Chimera" exhibition made famous the photo collection “Propeller Girl and the other Tales”. The strange fantasy world he created caused the resonance with many visitors. This time, Michael brings 15 works of his latest creation from the past two years, together with two short films and five devices featured in the works.

The artist's daughter still plays many of the protagonist that “Fall”. Along with her growth, the story has also undergone a subtle change, but still retains the dream-like style of Michael Ryan. Surreal and horror scenes are forged when fairy tales meets nightmares, presenting disturbing insight into the world between dream and waking. Each piece tells about the fall of the protagonist in some respects, and each fall instantly grasps the mystery with traditional style. Modern visual elements and style are avoided to show a more fundamental visual language.

The devices are all built by Michael himself. The artist spent significant amount of time and effort to improve the technology, from making the double-headed birds from genuine birds’ skeletons, to the small Clockwork woman device. So there is no better way than photography to record the props which inspire his imagination. Last year, Michael began to explore dynamic photographing and will continue to do so. The presentation will be in the form of silent film, which is also a highlight of the exhibition.

“Girl with Butterflies in her Hair” and Still Life Photographer of the Year 2008. Besides, Michael Ryan was one of 60 photographs chosen form 3,000 to be featured in the Renaissance foundation book and exhibition, whose judges include professionals from Magnum Photo Agency.
We look forward to seeing you at the opening. Come to enjoy the art and Murphy’s!

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Works