“The faster we move, the less details we see”
He pours the dark brown sludgy liquid, the consistency effectively slowing time. It is this awareness of motion that is captured with a mix of charcoals and paints on various surfaces. Old car oil is one of the mediums often seen in Riaan’s work and the images layered on top of it vibrate with movement.
Riaan van Zyl takes inspiration from ordinary things but he explores them deeply to form new impressions and comprehension. He loves to dismantle everyday ideas and reimagine their context. At first the media were experimental; old car oil, captured Carbon, anthracite, cobalt salts, ink from exhaust fumes… Riaan dissects movements with patient eyes and a hungry mind and then, masterfully using those mediums, reassembles their concepts and values.
“We see our lives in frames per second”.
At first glance, Riaan’s work seems abstract and confusing. A blur. He challenges the audience to see everyday items or activities in a new light. Allow your vision to slow down with his images. Perceive the motion the same way as when a film is played in slow motion. The outcome owns a very personal structure with a stunning emphasis on the movement through his compositions.
Reflected in his work, Riaan has taken his time and tirelessly experimented to define his distinctive and expressive style. Always progressing he is currently dissecting the interactivity through expressive cooperation, and its moving parts. He is testing a new way to break through the contemporary frontiers and limitations, options that are offered by his unique mediums.
Riaan’s work features in exhibits and prestigious art collections, both locally as well as widely around the world.
