Robyn Ward
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Robyn Ward | |
|---|---|
| Born | |
| Education | Campbell College |
| Occupation | Painter |
| Known for | |
| Website | robynwardart.com |
Robyn Ward is an Irish contemporary artist. He uses mixed media on canvas and combines abstract and realist approaches. He is based in Mexico City.
Early life and education[edit]
Ward was born on 3 October 1982 in Dublin, where he lived for five years before moving to Belfast.[1] In 2019, Ward claimed that Campbell College expelled him aged fifteen[1] and that he spent his teenage years skateboarding and painting graffiti on derelict buildings[2] before adopting a nomadic lifestyle.[3] He worked in studios in Bangkok, Shanghai, Amsterdam and Mexico City.[3]
Career[edit]
Ward paints on canvas, using a multi-layered style.[4] He uses a mixed media of acrylics, inks, watercolours, Oil paint and spray paint.[4]
Ward cites Jackson Pollock, Banksy, and Hieronymus Bosch as inspiration for his work.[2] His subject matter comprises personal reflections and socio-political commentary.[2] This has included messages about sustainability, racism and bigotry, and the conflict in Ireland.[5]
In 2018, the Art Attack Exhibition at the Royal Monceau Gallery in Paris featured Ward's work.[4] In the same year, Ward displayed his artwork in six other exhibitions and solo shows.[4] His solo exhibition 'Once Upon a Time', held in May 2018 at the House of Fine Art in London, combined images of popular children's cartoon characters with reflections on racism and bigotry.[6][failed verification] For example, one piece depicted Bugs Bunny with a picket sign reading 'no Blacks, no dogs, and no Irish'.[7]
In 2019, Ward exhibited a series of artworks entitled 'Plastic Nation' that aimed to draw attention to the global environmental crisis. The pieces focused on the impact of the world's consumption of single-use plastics.[1] Ward auctioned some of the artworks from 'Plastic Nation' to raise funds for a non-profit animal welfare charity.[8] Ward's 2021 exhibition 'Fucked at Birth' depicted destruction, violence, and societal breakdown.[2]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c Beattie, Jilly (5 March 2019). "Expelled from Campbell College, now artist Robyn Ward is on the wall with Banksy". Belfast Live. Reach plc. Retrieved 13 April 2022.
- ^ a b c d Gordon, Len (9 September 2021). "Robyn Ward: An examination of destruction and society's systematic breakdown". Art Plugged. Retrieved 13 April 2022.
- ^ a b Roy, David (14 March 2019). "Artist Robyn Ward depicts endangered species in debut Irish exhibition". The Irish News. Retrieved 13 April 2022.
- ^ a b c d "On the Spotlight Robyn Ward Fucked at Birth". Art Market Magazine. No. 62. 1 August 2021. Retrieved 13 April 2022.
- ^ Cowan, Katy (8 May 2018). "Once Upon a Time: Robyn Ward's paintings of iconic cartoon characters have a dual meaning". Creative Boom. Retrieved 13 April 2022.
- ^ Bystander (22 September 2017). "Robyn Ward's exhibition launch". Tatler. Condé Nast. Retrieved 13 April 2022.
- ^ "A clash of cartoons and racism brings Robyn Ward's work to gritty life". The Big Issue. 14 May 2018. Retrieved 13 April 2022.
- ^ Tenembaum, Laura (11 October 2019). "Nonprofit Group, Music Against Animal Cruelty, Raises Funds To Save Wildlife". Forbes. Retrieved 13 April 2022.