Gold Chains & Champagne - Engel

Ryan McCann consistently explores social constructs, creating works that encourage people to rethink and alter their perception of the mundane and awareness of everyday belief systems and realities. McCann creates as a painter, sculptor, photographer, and pyrographer constantly challenging himself to make art that invites viewers to see the world differently.

"The concept for the show stemmed from my love of rap and hip-hop in the 90‘s and my fascination with Communism. The excess portrayed by hip-hop artists meshed with the scarcity and ideological foundations of Communism fueled the imagery for the show. For this release I wanted to create simple works of influential communist figures that are to be purchased in our free economy. Maybe it is the irony. Consumerism and Communism at play with each other that makes me happy. I wanted to see the literal translation of this concept so we had Stalin indulge in Western culture and turned his escapades into a music video. There will be a variety of work including new blowtorch pieces, some sculptural elements and a new technique I developed that makes the wood glow." - Ryan McCann