Ryan Kelly: The Self-Loathing Narcissist

On view August 4th-27th, 2017 at 990 Spring Garden (10th and Spring Garden)

Opening Reception, Friday, Aug. 4th from 6-10pm

He’s been really beatinghimself up lately…

Ever wonder what’s inside Ryan W. Kelly’s head? Spoiler alert: It’s you! Ryan W. Kelly and PRACTICE present a mocking self-examination in his performative installation “The Self-Loathing Narcissist.” Kelly and invited guests will don an oversized paper-mache mask of the artist, and attempt to destroy a piñata effigy that is also of the artist (you can see where this is going).  Come join in the self-criticism - it’s sure to be a smashing good time!Ryan W. Kelly holds a BFA in Ceramics from the Kansas City Art Institute and an MFA from The Ohio State University. His work ranges from performance and video based work to object based installations. He draws his inspiration from American mythology,historical inaccuracies and the curious story telling that finds its way into our material culture and decorative arts. He celebrates the myopic strangeness often preserved in our souvenirs, monuments and commemorations. He celebrates our messy contradictions.Kelly has recently been hired by Western Washington University as head Ceramics and 3-D Foundations. Before this he was a Visiting Professor at The Ohio State University in Ceramics and Foundations. Ryan formerly lived in Philadelphia where he was a Resident Artist at the Clay Studio, and a founding member of PRACTICE.