Ryan Van Der Hout

Ryan Van Der Hout turns physical objects into conceptual beauty ripe with symbolism.  He shows an apple, for example, with microscopic detail.   While many artists have depicted the shapely red exterior of the fruit, Van Der Hout slices into decomposing fruit to show seeds sparkling like stars in the flesh of the fruit. In portraits of people, meanwhile, Van Der Hout prints mere outlines.  Sometimes the figures are devoid of any filling, creating a stark contrast of black and white that allows the other object in the painting to become a symbolic focal point.  Other times, a third color swirls within the outline of the body, suggestive of emotion.

The Canadian artist also creates religious icons in various design modes.  There are classical renditions alongside photogramed interpretations that signify that beauty is a mere shadow of our own world. Even when he just prints shapes, Van Der Hout does so with such vivid colors that the centripetal patterns emit passion.  Through photography, he examines the ever-transforming, circular nature of life.