WILD COLONIAL BOYS – PAUL RYAN

Paul Ryan brings his iconic and long-proven style to Paddington’s Olson Irwin Gallery, with a continuation of his controversial theme of first-contact with Aboriginals. This time he deals with early settlers in a show called Wild Colonial Boys.

Paul Ryan creates a mythology of characters with his profile portraits, many of which look as though they are right out of a Spaghetti-Western. He also draws on famous portraits of early colonialists, including Captain Cook, and appropriates them with rustic quality.

Ryan is a classic example of developing a style that works and sticking to it. His work places an emphasis on colour and texture above form, and he is able to evoke emotion with just a blob of paint.

Although he says his most recent catalogue is a balanced approach to the subject, the superimposed images of early colonialists over rugged terrain seem to imply differently. Ryan’s nuanced view of the topic could be expressed more clearly. (LC)

Until Aug 1, Olsen Irwin Gallery, 63 Jersey Rd, Woollahra, Free, (02) 9327 3922, timolsengallery.com

BY LUKE COX