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| moderndallas.net Special “Eye” to Watch June Mattingly // contributing art writer Ryder Richards “Trajectory” presented by Ro2 Art at ThirdSpace Gallery Up at the present and through August 28 is one main installation composed of free-standing attached drawing configurations on paper, attached to custom wood constructions, across from one another along long unobstructed walls. The titles and subjects of the pieces in the show are based in the ballistic trajectory of a Winchester rifle familiar to most through Cowboy and Western movies. The mere fact that the Winchester is the famous hunting rifle makes me personally shaky in the knees while ever so appreciative that an artist is addressing the unmatched power of this instrument to hunt and kill innocent wild animals or a living being. |
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| “Go(a)l(d): Antelope,” 2010 graphite, gunpowder, goldleaf, acrylic, wood, 7 x 5 feet |
| “Potential,” 2010, graphite, gunpowder, wood, paper, 83 x 180 x 36 inches |
| As unusual yet as effective as the rifle reference, the mediums used to reinforce its soulful meaning – graphite, gunpowder, gold leaf, acrylic paint and in the artist’s presence and by his own hand pre to the opening celebration, actual fire to emphasize chaos and the sound effects of real gunpowder exploding. The specially placed purposefully positioned small round wood posts attached to the walls to create rhythmic, definitive shadows represent the wideness yet directness of multiple bullet shots. |
| The regal stag antelope head standing proudly by itself presents itself as target among trajectories of bullets, a symbol of the beauty of natural forms watching over all of us trying to understand why life, the land and freedom once theirs is suddenly snatched away cruelly and for no reason except to satisfy some unrestrained person’s need to kill, to assert their dominance. This high ceiling ground floor, two story gallery space with a floor to ceiling glass front is next door to the original Neiman Marcus on the east side and to the west, the new extravagant Joule Hotel and Charlie Palmer restaurant. This gallery is the inspiration of Susan Roth Romans and Jordan Roth who have continuous shows here and also downtown in the renovated DP&L building’s gallery, both concentrating on artists deserving gallery representation. |
| Richards, the gallery coordinator at Richland College is a deeply thoughtful talent on the verge of receiving recognition in and outside the discriminating Dallas art world. He was born in 1977, grew up in the West in Roswell and holds a MFA from TCU and a BFA from Texas Tech University. His Artist Statement appropriately opens with “the possibility of violent death is the soul of all romance,” from William James, a pacifist in 1906. He continues with “The romance of the West has been closely tied to my personal history. Here, a portrayal of strength and civil nationalism is paramount, as is respect for violence as a historical proving ground. Within this ‘Culture of Honor’ manhood is developed through emulation and one’s salvation is earned through action. My current work is an investigation of the perception of power within such societal structures.” |
| “Rupture,” 2010, 2010, graphite, gunpowder, wood, paper, 83 x 180 x 36 inches |
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