Lisson Studio

Ryan Gander studio visit

On Tuesday 7 April 2020, Ossian Ward of the Lisson Gallery hosted a live virtual walk-through of Ryan Gander's studio, where the artist provided insight into the new works in his studio – including a philosophical animatronic mouse, ghostly apparitions, fake snow drifts, a man crafted from graphite and other friends. The live tour was conducted via video-conferencing on two separate occasions with hundreds of invitees. Images and documentation of works included in this tour follow the full video of the studio visit.  

Gander's work The End (2020) will inaugurate the 'Focus' presentation for Lisson Gallery's Online Exhibitions from 25 – 31 May.

Motifs of sight and visibility appear in a series of recent sculptures by the artist that consist of grand mirrors or hidden dens over which marble dust sheets have been draped. While these partially covered mirrors might be found in a closed-up stately home, their crisply sculpted draperies teasingly shroud the reflections that lie behind. The impenetrability of Gander's dens – this one made by his four-year-old daughter from laundry airing rack, broom handles, tape and stapler – frustrates viewers and starkly reveals the barriers inherent to self-realisation.
 

A glowing staircase offers everyone a shot at redemption and some unknown glory in the hereafter, or at least in the daylight. Gander plays with the human desire for knowledge, while purposely thwarting entry into this imagined/remembered world.

Portrait photo credit: Jon Gorrigan, Lavenham Jackets.