Ryan Cronin’s distinct artistic style recalls the different approaches of pop art paintings, children’s art, and modern surrealism.  He works on square boards and uses the unusual medium of rust-oleum paint.  On the surface, his works resemble kids’ art, and are lighthearted and humorous.  Although simple in appearance, his work is sophisticated and puzzling as he plays with words and symbols.

Ryan Cronin, Taste Sweet Revenge, 2800€

In Cronin’s balanced compositions, he arranges his images against opaque backgrounds and uses black and white with bold, mostly primary colors.  Taste Sweet Revenge, picturing five cent chewing gum, and Wiffle Ball are particularly reminiscent of pop art paintings.  Wiffle Ball certainly pops out –a canvas in black, white, and red, with a giant wiffle ball filling the square, with the hand-lettering “Wiffle ball” and “baseball size” written beneath the image.  His black and white painting, Night Crawlers, exemplifies his works with basic symbols and images.

Ryan Cronin, Wiffle Ball, 2800€

Cronin’s paintings encourage free association.  His square canvases are often light and entertaining to look at, but he also presents unexpected images, words, and relationships between them.  His works are humorous and whimsical, and many are seemingly innocent while others sometimes a bit dark.   Just Do It, for example, juxtaposes a well-known slogan with an unexpected element.

Ryan Cronin, Just Do It, 2800€

As a contemporary artist, Cronin has a clearly developed modern style.  Cronin’s works are an escape from reality and at all at once serious and simply fun to look at.

Ryan Cronin, Night Crawlers, 2800€