Ryan McGinley
Jessica (TLC), 2011
C-print
Unframed: 182.9 x 279.4 cm 72 x 110 ins
Framed: 190.2 x 290.5 cm 74 7/8 x 114 3/8 ins
Framed: 190.2 x 290.5 cm 74 7/8 x 114 3/8 ins
Edition 2/3 plus 2APs
For Ryan, this particular model embodies his spirit, placing the work in the context of self-portraiture (a theme throughout his work). There were a series of contrasting elements in her...
For Ryan, this particular model embodies his spirit, placing the work in the context of self-portraiture (a theme throughout his work).
There were a series of contrasting elements in her appearance, emphasized in this image, that excited Ryan: manicured nails / cut hands, freckles / marked teeth, wholesome ‘girl next door’ face / ‘bad girl’ tattoo.
Without instruction, Jess instinctively gave Ryan the middle finger, allowing him to capture this moment of spontaneity that displays her character.
Ryan likes the confrontational aspect of the photo and wants to say ‘f***k you’ to those that would be offended by the gesture. In a similar way, he believes that many people will relate to the playfulness and rebelliousness of her pose.
The studio work allows him to connect with the model in a more intimate manner. Ryan spends a long time searching for models and has one member of staff dedicated to this task, not many make it but, for him, Jess encapsulates everything he looks for in a model.
There were a series of contrasting elements in her appearance, emphasized in this image, that excited Ryan: manicured nails / cut hands, freckles / marked teeth, wholesome ‘girl next door’ face / ‘bad girl’ tattoo.
Without instruction, Jess instinctively gave Ryan the middle finger, allowing him to capture this moment of spontaneity that displays her character.
Ryan likes the confrontational aspect of the photo and wants to say ‘f***k you’ to those that would be offended by the gesture. In a similar way, he believes that many people will relate to the playfulness and rebelliousness of her pose.
The studio work allows him to connect with the model in a more intimate manner. Ryan spends a long time searching for models and has one member of staff dedicated to this task, not many make it but, for him, Jess encapsulates everything he looks for in a model.
Exhibitions
Ryan McGinley, 'Wandering Comma', 24 November - 22 December 2011
Ryan McGinley: Wandering Comma. Alison Jacques Gallery, London. 24 November - 22 December 2011
From 0 to 100, the new ages of life. Art+science: two eyes about ourselves. Palazzo Re Enzo in Piazza Maggiore, Bologna. February 2 - February 12 2012.
La Triennale/Bovisa, Milan. 23 February - 28 March 2012.