CURTIS RIPLEY
Ripley’s artistic approach embodies the essence of various Abstractionist movements, rejecting figurative representation for an emphasis on spontaneity and gesture to convey emotional expression. Like predecessors before him, such as Wassily Kandinsky and Jackson Pollock, Ripley’s process is deeply intertwined with music, allowing rhythmic brushstrokes to translate into bursts of color that dance across the canvas.
The use of black gesso as a base provides a stark contrast against which Ripley’s vibrant colors can truly pop. The visible splatters and drips serve as tangible reminders of the artist’s physical engagement with the canvas, capturing the energy and dynamism of the creative act itself.
Ripley’s paintings are not mere visual compositions; they are multi-sensory experiences that evoke emotions and sensations akin to poetry. His work transcends strict interpretation, inviting viewers to engage with the paintings on a personal level and to find their own meaning within the layers of color and texture.
Through a process of layering the paint, repeatedly wiping out and repainting, Ripley achieves a sense of moody visual jazz, where depth, movement and color create an ever-evolving visual narrative. Each layer of paint contributes to the overall richness of the work, resulting in paintings that are timeless, poetic, and full of life.Throughout a career that began in the late 1970s, Curtis Ripley has exhibited both nationally and internationally, with an extensive and impressive record of solo exhibitions.
Curtis Ripley was born in Lubbock, Texas in 1949 and received his MFA from the University of Wisconsin, at Madison in 1975.
EXHIBITIONS
RECENT PAINTINGS
