Asprey Studio is delighted to announce its first exhibition, SURFACE 036, a presentation of over 43 sculptures by British artist Ryan Barrett. Drawing on her background in textiles, this stunning body of work explores the connection between digital and physical production techniques, and required Barrett to invent several bespoke tools, including an ingenious modeling system, kilns magnifications and virtual reality (VR) software. In addition to these innovations, he also developed a whole range of unique methods for working with clay to create sculptures that were both intricate and of unparalleled beauty.
Aware of the past, but driven by the future, Barrett was initially inspired by traditional Japanese methods and techniques, as well as sculptors such as Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore and ceramicist Lucy Rie. A self-taught ceramicist, his passion for experimentation is perhaps best exemplified by the modeling instrument he designed, which allows him to reinterpret the traditional method of creating ceramic structures, using nearly 50,000 layers to form the basis of his sculptures. Next, Barrett introduces other techniques, including hand-formed tops, the manipulation of clay bodies, and the addition of other elements such as coloring oxides and silk dipped in liquid porcelain. This process allows him to create an extraordinary complexity on the surfaces of his sculptures. However, this is not easily achievable. Due to the delicacy and challenges of the porcelain and the scale of the sculptures – the largest in this display is 1.2 meters – the firing process inevitably introduces an element of unpredictability.
Alexandre de Prat i Pont, who organized the exhibition and the catalogue, considers this process an integral component of the work, observing that the high degree of variable elements is difficult to control and generates constant surprises. He adds : ” To create unique and irreplaceable works of art, one must always be different and innovative. The past is the past, and that’s where we start from, but we need to create new and exciting works, and these sublime pieces are proof of that. »
Ali Walker, Chief Creative Officer of Asprey Studio, confirms: Ryan is a unique artist, whether he works in virtual reality, in physics, or on the blockchain. He created not only a physical legacy for the future, but also a digital artifact. This is the very essence of Asprey Studio & the NFTs put forward by the company.
“When you first see Ryan Barrett’s sculptural work, you are mesmerized by its sense of undulating movement. A closer look reveals the multiple layers of creative input: nuanced colors, shapes from nature, textile patterns, scorched abstractions, random imperfections, all blending into an unexpected but harmonious balance between classicism and wabi-sabi. »
John Rigas, President of Asprey
These sculptures presented in SURFACE 036 are all unique and each is presented with its associated NFT. Generally, one can acquire an NFT, and then have the possibility of materializing the piece in the form of a physical work. However, for this exhibition, Barrett created duo works. They start in digital form in virtual reality, then the design is transformed into a physical work in porcelain. At this stage, the physical porcelain sculpture and the digital file are reinterpreted to create an NFT. The 43 works are exhibited at Galerie Asprey Studio until September 2023.
Although the exhibition is open to the public, to arrange a private viewing, please contact: [email protected]
Founded in 2022, Asprey Studio creates one-of-a-kind works of art using innovative and groundbreaking production techniques. Through the use of generative art and blockchain technologies, these physical coins are then linked to a digital duplicate.
Asprey Studio is delighted to launch The Asprey Studio Gallery, a multipurpose gallery space that will host exhibitions and showcase Asprey Studio’s creations. Located on the second floor of Asprey’s flagship store in London, Mayfair, the gallery will focus on creating a new way of exhibiting, presenting and buying art. In a recent pioneering collaboration with Bugatti, the Studio designed one hundred and eleven precious metal eggs linked to generative art in Bitcoin. This release not only showcases the art of coding, but also creates a new form of artistic expression that bridges physical and digital creations.
“Asprey Studio is at the forefront of innovation. The gallery will display our works and provide a wonderful space to educate, exhibit and work with artists who share a similar vision. The future is not only in the physical coin, but also in a digital artifact. »
Ali Walker, Chief Art Director of Asprey Studio
This state-of-the-art space will showcase the Studio’s work to a wide audience, from Asprey Studio club members to new digital collectors. It will allow everyone to explore cutting-edge exhibits, aided by Asprey’s own impeccable service.
About Ryan Barrett
Born in 1986, Ryan Barrett’s artistic career began after studying at Goldsmiths, University of London and then at the Royal Drawing School. He then moved to New York to work as a designer, where he co-founded his own print and textile studio, as well as
an online sales platform, Vooprint Ltd, in early 2013, the year he started experimenting with ceramics. His work is present in many important international private and public collections, including the Art Institute of Chicago. He has exhibited widely, and after the exhibition at Asprey Studio, further presentations will be held in Tokyo and Los Angeles.
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About Alexandre de Prat i Pont
Born in 1973, Alexandre de Prat i Pont grew up between Spain, Switzerland and England. Attracted from an early age to art, he became interested in collecting minerals and ancient coins. Years of visits to museums, exhibitions, collections and auctions have been the basis of his discerning eye. A special encounter with Baron HH Thyssen-Bornemisza on a summer evening in the Costa Brava changed the course of his life. This meeting oriented him towards the world of art, and there was no going back. The Baron gave him the encouragement and determination to pursue his passion. Alexandre de Prat i Pont studied art history at the University of Barcelona, Manchester and at the Sotheby’s Art Institute in London. This led him to notable positions in the most prestigious auction houses and the most important art collections in London, Paris and the United States.
Attracted by the energetic diversity and cultural magnetism of the art capital of the world, he moved his company to this magnificent city of London. He met Ryan two years ago and this is the second exhibition he has curated for his work.
Meet at The Asprey Studio Gallery: 34-36 Bruton St, Mayfair, London W1J 6QX. Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Website | instagram | Twitter
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