Embracing Nuance: The Beauty of “In-Between” Emotions in Art
Initiated and organized by The Bridge Arts Foundation, the 'SOLILOQUY' Open Call Exhibition is currently being held at The Scholart Selection Gallery in San Gabriel, California, and will run until August 17th, 2024.
Bridge Arts Foundation's Art Director, Tia Xu, engaged in a conversation about the exhibition and art with several artists participating in this exhibition. In this interview, we have the pleasure of speaking with artist Ryan Bautista.
—— Q&A ——
Tia Xu: Could you please share your background and what inspired you to pursue a career in art?
Ryan Bautista: My artistic career has been largely driven by my search for identity and freedom. Having been raised by immigrant parents, the pursuit of security, both financial and physical, closes a lot of doors for individual expression. So as one does, I earned a bachelors and masters in business, pursuing art on the side. I’ve seen successes in both fields and in the past few years have gotten more and more attention for my collages.
Thanks to supportive galleries and partners throughout Los Angeles, I’ve had the chance to speak with many people that tell me my collages really resonate with them. Each interaction gives me motivation to move on to making the next piece. Alongside being an artist, I’d like to think I’m a recovering pessimist and an aspiring optimist.
Ryan Bautista, Deserted, 2022, Mixed media & acrylic paint on a wood panel, 24 x 24 x 1 in (60.96 x 60.96 x 2.54 cm). Photo courtesy of artist.
Tia Xu: What does "SOLILOQUY" mean to you, and how does your artwork explore this theme? Can you tell us the story behind your artwork from the exhibition?
Ryan Bautista: I interpreted “Soliloquy” as an expression of my chaotic thoughts and the solitude that often comes after it. A solitude that provides relief and soon after becomes a catalyst for a new beginning.
My piece, “Deserted”, explores the concept of “a beautiful death”. In this case, death of chaotic thoughts, beliefs, worries, insecurities etc. With patience and acceptance this death can be an opportunity for rebirth and a chance for positivity to thrive with resiliency.
Tia Xu: How does your cultural background influence your art?
Ryan Bautista: As a Filipino-American, becoming an artist is not a career choice. Doctor, nurse, engineer – yes, but not artist. It’s very difficult to convince yourself you’re capable of succeeding as an artist, but to do so while breaking tradition can leave you with a real identity crisis. This isn’t to discredit my culture, there is value and beauty in the community Asian cultures nourish, but like anything, too much of something can be bad. In this case too much selflessness can lead you to light oneself on fire in order to keep others warm. Where does being too Asian for America and too American for Asia leave you? It’s this gray space I refuse to believe I’m alone in. I believe there is artwork to be made that explores these feelings, but also to the greater love and gratitude I feel for my family and ancestors.
Photo courtesy of artist.
Tia Xu: What emotions or ideas do you hope viewers will take away from experiencing your artwork?
Ryan Bautista: I love using pastels and “in-between” colors because I’m fascinated with “in-between” emotions and identities. I think we categorize these things for simplicity’s sake in order to feel like we’re in control, but there is so much beauty in nuance. There are days I wake up happy + melancholy or exhausted + motivated. Emotions that are the antithesis of each other can coexist. I would love for viewers to consider my collages’ background as much as the focal point to see what emotion(s) it evokes. To me the negative space is the star. Negative space is where peace lives.
Photo courtesy of artist.
Tia Xu: Are there any other series that you are currently working on? Would you mind sharing them with us?
Ryan Bautista: Yes! With my curiosity towards discovering identity and freedom comes a solid dose of rebelliousness. I’m relearning how to skateboard as an adult and have found so much joy, creativity and community from it (as well as injuries; the pavement is a cruel mistress). I’m currently working on a series done on blank skate decks that are, in spirit, meant to rebel against conformity using familiar motifs in my oeuvre such as skulls, geometric shapes and floral arrangements.
Photo courtesy of artist.
Tia Xu: Are there any artists or art movements that have had a significant influence on your work? If so, why?
Ryan Bautista: I love Impressionism, abstract art, minimalism and street art. I realize in saying that I’m attracted to movements that upset the setup. I also draw a lot of inspiration from fashion, avant-garde to traditional, McQueen to Dior. I’m fascinated with how these fashion houses compliment (or subvert) such grace onto a woman’s silhouette. I feel like in another life (possibly still this one) I could’ve been a tailor or dressmaker. I’ve made one dress so far and I plan on making more.
Tia Xu: Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?
Ryan Bautista: If you’d like to learn more about my art, please consider following me on Instagram @ryanbdesigns or visit my website at ryanbautistaart.com!
The Bridge Arts Foundation's "SOLILOQUY" Open Call Exhibition Installation View, Photo: ©The Bridge Arts Foundation / Luna Hao
ABOUT OPEN CALL EXHIBITION PROGRAM
The Bridge Arts Foundation's "SOLILOQUY" Open Call Exhibition Installation View, Photo: ©The Bridge Arts Foundation / Luna Hao
Bridge Arts Foundation's Open Call Exhibition Program is designed to provide support for early-career artists. The "SOLILOQUY" Open Call Exhibition has thoughtfully selected 18 talented artists from over 500 submissions, employing a selection process that involves art professionals. "SOLILOQUY" opens from July 13th to August 17th, 2024.
ABOUT ARTIST
Ryan Bautista
Mixed-Media Collage Artist
Filipino-American artist Ryan Bautista explores the complexities of identity in his striking and ethereal collages and mixed-media paintings. In his work, Bautista meditates on the impact that personal experiences have on shaping one's character and outlook on life. Nature and pop culture figures are familiar themes in his oeuvre. His collage and mixed-media works are known to use such elements as flowers, honey bees and monarch butterflies that he juxtaposes with unusual associations including cars, skulls and retro technology from the 1990s. As the son of immigrants, Bautista is fascinated with change whether it be cultural or societal. His interests include the fascinating worlds of fashion, science fiction and technology enabling him to use vintage and modern design elements to create and build upon his unique perspectives.