RYAN COLEMAN: PAREIDOLIA

March 13 - May 9, 2015

Sandler Hudson Gallery is pleased to present PAREIDOLIA, Ryan Coleman’s first solo exhibition in Atlanta. Pareidolia (parr-i-doh-lee- ə) is a psychological phenomenon where a vague stimulus is perceived as significant. Common examples include seeing images of animals in clouds, the man in the moon, or hearing hidden messages on records when played in reverse.

Coleman’s newest works on paper and larger canvas pieces reference nature, traditional cel animation, and a history of painting. The dichotomies in the work – Abstraction/representation, spontaneity/control – extend and expand the work’s visual and philosophical implications. The paintings straddle a savvy street aesthetic and a well-informed art history. With each piece’s emphasis on form and color (and clear nod to Abstract Expressionism) there is also an opportunity to tap into an evocative pareidolia.

Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Ryan Coleman graduated from the Atlanta College of Art with a BFA in painting in 2001. After working as freelance animator for the Cartoon Network, he moved to New York City in 2003 to serve as studio assistant for artist Jeff Koons in addition to working in his own Brooklyn studio. In 2011 Coleman returned to Atlanta to devote more time to his own work. He was recently awarded 2015 – 2016 Artist in Residence by ConsultArt, Inc.