"I'm trying to use symbols and icons from popular culture in my work, crossing them over with other symbols. I see what I do as visual mathematics I guess."
Ryan Callanan (1981, UK) has been working under the alias ‘RYCA’, building a huge collector base. In the early days, the artist started to experiment with street art and, soon after, RYCA made name with limited edition screen prints. The popular ‘Reservoir Troopers’ and other Star Wars-inspired prints helped to boost his career.
Callanan's artworks employ a quirky and clever use of imagery drawn from popular culture. The 'RYCA' trademark combines elements from iconic movie moments, pop culture references, art history and sports with his signature sense of humor.
Callanan has a background in printing and making pub signage and uses his craftsmanship to create his awe-inspiring typography and limited edition sculptures. His vast knowledge of materials, gained largely while studying Model Making and 3D Design, brings together his own ideas and unique style of Pop-Art. Ryan's interest in working with different materials and methods keeps his work fresh and constantly changing.
Callanan's series of three-dimensional smiley faces, synonymous with the Acid House rave culture of the 1980s, quickly made him known to collectors, who appreciated the artist's original take on the famous symbol and his artisanal approach to producing them.
Ryan Callanan has collaborated with acclaimed artists including Fatboy Slim, The Prodigy, Ben Eine, and Stik, amongst others.