David Ryan American, b. 1971

David Ryan’s evocative, three-dimensional wall assemblages are as playful as puffy cartoon clouds, thought bubbles, or toy cars, but his colors are bold and intense. To achieve these complicated puzzles, the artist cuts and arranges irregularly shaped pieces of fiberboard to fit together in a pre-designed pattern. He then carefully smoothes them down, paints and bonds them back together again in asymmetrical layers. The works read like complex but joyful brainteasers.

Ryan is a young artist based in Las Vegas. He received his MFA from University of Las Vegas, where he studied under Dave Hickey and was associated with a like-minded group of artists, including Tim Bavington. His work has been exhibited in venues including the Laguna Art Museum and Las Vegas Art Museum, and he is held in many important public and private collections.