Reception: Thursday Dec 7, 6-9pm Dec 7 – Jan 1, 2018 |54 Greene St. SoHo | 212-226-7344
United in their scale, the featured artworks from thirty different artists around the world, explore the variation in style, concept, and technical approach present in contemporary painting, drawing, and sculpture. The exhibition, curated by Michael J. Ruple (Gallery Director), features new works by Michael Alan, Jean-Pierre Arboleda, Sergio Barrale, Casey Baugh, Rick Berry, Troy Brooks, Bill Carman, Sas Christian, Colin Christian, Nicoletta Ceccoli, Sam Wolfe Connelly, Kelly Denato, Rose Freymouth-Frazier, Gris Grimly, Justin Hopkins, Jared Joslin, Jessica Joslin, Robert LaDuke, Chris Leib, David Lipson, Francis Livingston, Alessandra Maria, Pierre Matter, Caitlin T. McCormack, Kathie Olivas, Marc Scheff, Steven Skollar, Pol Turgeon, Hannah Yata, and more.
Rick is proud to be exhibiting 6 works along side this all star cast. We hope you’ll have a chance to stop by before the year’s end. Thank you.
mural detail 12 feet wide, first mural commission, first time using acrylics, discovering new technological solutions, crazy short deadline—
Like the innovators and entrepreneurs of Workbar.com, the hot new coworking community in Arlington, MA, Rick loves a challenge! He resurrected drawing skills from his underground comic days, created a tattoo-like image, and launched himself into new learning territories, and enjoyed it.
Photo by Marjorie Howard Along with specifics of the mural concept, Rick talks about how we see, always respecting the viewer and portraying time in 2 dimensional art in these studio interviews by Workbar’s Dave Gentry.
When in Arlington, drop in for a free tour of Workbar at 1165 Mass Ave. Here’s a fun view, our first peek at the installed mural from the front door. Interested in-progress shots? Scroll down.Thanks.
Rick has an abiding interest in shape-shifters — across all cultures, past and future. Rick is the son of an Air Force pilot and so was raised in a kind of moveable feast of surreal fighter base communities, populated by people with stories from, well, everywhere. His father, fluent in Mandarin, was stationed in China in the late 40’s (as the Communist Revolution climaxed, engaged in a rescue mission, Rick’s father was the first, and only, person to land a plane in the Forbidden City!).
His parents collected art extensively throughout Asia. As such, Rick grew up surrounded by art and tales of China, Japan, the Philippines and elsewhere. Stories of Kitsune, a fox spirit, are part of this. It so happens that his friend (and sometimes collaborator) Neil Gaiman wrote a “new” folklore involving a kitsuné and a monk— Sandman: The Dream Hunters. A beautiful bedtime reading aloud for children. (We had three small ones then; all grown now, meme’s hopefully installed.)
The process of this painting is a story of shape-shifting itself. Beneath it’s surface are several paintings until Kitsune emerged…
For sales information, contact kim@Modern Eden.com (415)956-3033.
For a decade now, Hi-Fructose has been a major publication of the New Contemporary Art. They “deliver a diverse cross section of the most influential, genre bending art of our time…” We’re delighted to receive this recognition of Rick’s work in their magazine!
Hi-Fructose’s Facebook team also gave him a little love… “Myrinx” was posted on their FB Page – in a few days it had been “liked” 7k times, with 800 shares! Wow, we’re grateful to those who liked and shared. (screen shot below)
A great weekend in NYC (away from shoveling in Boston) to attend the opening reception of PHIL HALE’s solo exhibition at Jonathan LeVine Gallery. His new work is outstanding! It’s an impressive, thought provoking show. Ends March 21st so get there if you can!
We were happy to see many friends, and delighted to visit with Phil and his family. We’ve known each other a long time now, since Phil was apprenticed to Rick from age 16-18 and I watched as they quickly became collaborators. They last shared a studio in England (1986) and in Italy, 2009, they were the subject of a museum installation titled “Parallel Evolution.” where they once again collaborated live in front of a packed house.
At Jonathan LeVine Gallery, I found it interesting to notice that decades after sharing studios, an ocean apart, and each working his own method, Rick and Phil seem to be arriving separately at a similar mission. Each is examining “the instability and uncertainty that characterize our era” – yet with conclusions evolving in distinct directions. You’ll have a peek at Phil’s paintings in these camera shots but I hope you’ll check the gallery site if you are unable to see the originals. Enjoy!
…with “To Absent Friends…” Oil from CABARET set, starring Amanda Palmer, produced by American Repertory Theater, Cambridge
We had a wonderful time at the recent reception for Spectrum’s Fantastic Art show at NY Society of Illustrators. This was the third Spectrum exhibition and Rick’s been privileged to have work selected for each. We appreciate the honor of being included with so many great artists and all the work Spectrum and the Society do to make it such a great show. A special thanks to the collector and his family for loaning this silver award winning painting for the duration. We enjoyed seeing old friends and making new ones. Lucky us, a night in Manhattan is always fun! Best wishes to everyone, from Sheila & Rick
“Frost” by Rick Berry, Spectrum Exhibition 2009“Mr. Munshun” by Rick Berry, Spectrum 2005 from Stephen King’s “Black House”
We are pleased to announce Rick Berry’s Silver Award Winner,“To Absent Friends” is on view in the popular Spectrum Exhibition at the Museum of American Illustration, September 2 – Oct 18 Created for the set of CABARET, starring Amanda Palmer and produced by the American Repertory Theater, “To Absent Friends” is on loan through the generosity of a private collector.
Please join us at the Opening Reception: Friday Sept 12th 6:30 – 9, open to all NY Society of Illustrators 125 East 63rd St. NYC
Why is figurative art important? According to Rick,
“Our figuration of people is the pulse-taking of who we are and how we define ourselves … you actually use the art to see.”
This quote is excerpted from an interview recently published in Paper Darts, an innovative arts and literature magazine that features creative pioneers. The interview, conducted inside Rick’s studio by writer Maria Anderson, explores all the questions that count: What is Rick’s art philosophy? What is his creative process? What personal history is he building upon? The profile includes a broad selection of paintings and drawings as well as a video clip of Rick from Maria Carbardo’s award winning art documentary, Better Things.
To discover why Ms. Anderson titled her interview “The Continuous Feast”, click here.
We are pleased to announce Rick’s oil painting – Injury Prone – is included with this year’s best in Spectrum 21, the art annual promoting contemporary fantastic arts.
Injury Prone, oil by Rick Berry, inquire at info@RickBerryStudio.com I asked Rick about his painting exhibited at Pease International Tradeport, NH last fall,
“Injury Prone is about the athlete warrior.
Jacked on steroids, surgically repaired and activated on short recovery with pharmacological fixes; forced to perform schedules designed to suit media not health, he’s super powerful, a designer being.
But is it an Archilles bargain with a twist? Life is incandescent for a brief time. The violence both without and within takes a toll. Once great, the athlete warrior endures premature, diminished physical health and sometimes damaged cognitive capacity as well.
The twist is that this decline is not short, but a lingering period of social indifference and fading for many who, in their youth and without regardful counsel, never saw this coming.”
Is this our future? An earlier painting on this topic is Steroid Giant.
14" x 14" Oil. Available for purchase- contact Info@rickberrystudio.com
40" x 30" Oil. Available for purchase- contact Info@rickberrystudio.com
40" x 32" Oil. Available for purchase- contact Info@rickberrystudio.com + Art Print available
48" x 24" Oil. Available for purchase- contact Info@rickberrystudio.com
24" x 18" Oil. SOLD
48" x 24" Oil. Available for purchase- contact Info@rickberrystudio.com
Tome II : Melancholia
is a special limited edition anthology by invited artists to explore this theme. It includes 6 paintings by Rick. Click these thumbnails for full size images and information about painting availability. Click Art Prints in menu above for Limited Edition Archival Print information.
The theme is described as ” …MELANCHOLIA, the condition more akin to the alchemical phases the psyche passes through for our individuation and evolution…aka NOT depression or mourning, but something far more essential and ultimately beneficial to us all… belief is that this (art) influences the collective in a deeply meaningful and critical way.”
Rick is honored to be included in this book with friends he greatly admires such as Ashley Wood, Anita Kunz, Bill Sienkiewicz, Dave McKean, George Pratt, Kashra Ghanbari, as well as friends with whom he has collaborated, both at his studio and in Italy: Phil Hale, Brom, and Jason Shaw Alexander; along with many other fascinating artists. This book is massive and full of great art. 12″x18″, 200 pages.
Curator/Editor Kasra Ghanbari presented a selection of Melancholia art at Last Rites Gallery, NYC while the book was in production. Last Rites Gallery also hosted a wonderful pre-launch book party during NY Comic Con, which included Rick’s painting, “Nelson”. Perhaps you were there?
Last year Martin requested Berry as artist for his savage werewolf epic, The Skin Trade. Washington Science Fiction Association’s Press published Martin’s award-winning novella as a stand-alone Limited 1st Edition hardcover in conjunction with Martin being Guest of Honor at their annual fall convention near DC. Rick created the cover and several paintings for the books interior.
We’re pleased to announce “Willie” (above) and 2 other Rick Berry’s oil paintings from this book are in George R.R.Martin’s private collection in Santa Fe, New Mexico!
Author of mega-popular Game of Thrones and so much more, did you know Martin is also a star in world of independent cinemas? He’s the driving force behind saving and reviving the Jean Cocteau Cinema in his home community. Rick and I happen to be lucky to enjoy a favorite old theater from 1920’s in our town. We admire that George is supporting a venue that makes wonderful memories for everyone. Screenings include classic, cult, and new movies; also live events from music, theater, and literary worlds. Just one example, last year Neil Gaiman and Amanda Palmer performed. New things happen almost daily.
AND…George R.R.
Martin has also installed an ART GALLERY at Cocteau Cinema. He’s invited Rick to show work there in the future! That’ll be fun.
“Final Approach” by Rick Berry 12 x 12″ oil at Modern Eden Gallery
Rick was happy to be invited, along with studio pal, Rich Pellegrino, to create work for Michael Cuffe’s curated exhibit April 12th – May 3rd at Modern Eden Gallery in San Francisco, CA.
Press Release: “UNIVERSE: The Art of Existence” will bring together artists on the subject of space, the cosmos, galaxies, celestial bodies, planets, stars, and more. Also explored is the larger outer paradigm of the Universe that relates to things of an atomic scale, such as elements of quantum physics, atoms, and energy streams. Each artist has been encouraged to interpret the Universe itself as either an outer or inner world.” -Michael Cuffe, Editor-in-Chief, Warholian
Opening Reception: Saturday April 12th, 6-10 pm
Modern Eden Gallery, April 12th – May 3rd 403 Francisco St., San Francisco CA Sales: Kim@ModernEden.com (415) 956-3033
Cover art 40″ x 32″ Original Oil by Rick Berry on archival cotton ragboardLimited Edition hard cover book — Signed by George R.R.Martin and Rick Berry —SOLD OUT
A few paintings from the pages of the werewolf novella – The Skin Trade by George R.R.Martin
The Shattered Room by Rick BerryJoe Urguart’s Last Stand by Rick BerryHarmon’s Heir by Rick Berry
Sheila Berry
"Samadhi" 13x10ins. Oil
"Jodpurs" 13x10ins. Oil
"PTSD" 13x10ins. Oil
Rick & Allen Spiegel
Rick photobombs
Walt & Donato
Fred Harper
Ray
Kate & Robert
Allen, Scott, Chris & RKW
Cousins!
Adam & Korin
Avi & Adele
Phil, Rick, Callum & Jean
Catherine B & Mike H
Eric Seffinga
Kate & Avi
Rick & Chris
Martin Wittfooth
Phil & Walt
Rachel & Phil
Rick & Kate
Shawn, Troy & Rick
Ryan G
Scott, Irene, Rebecca & Teresa
14" x 14" Oil. Available for purchase- contact Info@rickberrystudio.com
40" x 30" Oil. Available for purchase- contact Info@rickberrystudio.com
40" x 32" Oil. Available for purchase- contact Info@rickberrystudio.com + Art Print available
48" x 24" Oil. Available for purchase- contact Info@rickberrystudio.com
24" x 18" Oil. SOLD
48" x 24" Oil. Available for purchase- contact Info@rickberrystudio.com
