Arthur Lanyon: Rock Paper Scissors

Lowell Ryan Projects is proud to present Rock Paper Scissors, a solo exhibition by Cornwall, UK-based artist Arthur Lanyon, comprised of a series of works on paper. Lanyon utilizes a variety of materials, including oil stick, oil primer, acrylic, and charcoal powder, to create gestural, tactile works at approximately 22h x 30w inches in scale. These works continue Lanyon’s exploration of the delicate balance between creation and destruction, control and surrender. This exhibition marks Lanyon’s first exhibition with the gallery and in Los Angeles.

An economical palette of predominately primary colors interplay with blacks, whites, and greys on thick 1000gsm handmade papers. Lanyon explains: “ultimately I want these works to have the look of collage without ever being cut or pasted. I use paintbrushes sparingly but prefer a lot of disposable gloves for finger painting. So, these paperworks are a combination of drawing and painting - drawing with paint.” A continual process of building up layers, sanding back, and revising is made possible due to the material depth of the paper. Initially, the paper’s hard, rough texture allows the paint to sit on the surface, however, after sanding, it is fluffy and absorbent. Formal shapes, patterns, and symbols emerge in the works informed by art historical narratives as well as personal and playful reference points. Ultimately, the process of exploration trumps a particular ideology or perspective.

“Blind faith has me believing that what I’m looking for eventually finds me. This notion helps me tidy away toys and put drawers of stuff to bed. A trick I play with painting is to lose sight. Sometimes I take off my glasses. Or I use orange-tinted ones to curb the motions of a frenzied line spinning off the edge of an orbit sander. Using the power tool is itself dealing with chaos. Sanding back thick paper ends like a pillow fight – feathers everywhere. To come together, the whole picture first has to fail.” – Arthur Lanyon