Ron English

As time went on, Ron English evolved into a pioneering figure in the emerging Pop Surrealist movement. He found his artistic voice by subverting corporate advertising and famous cultural icons, a technique he called "culture jamming." This provocative and satirical approach made a powerful statement about consumerism, media manipulation, and the commodification of society.

While his work has often been met with controversy and criticism, it has undeniably left a lasting impact on the art world and beyond. His audacious approach to confronting societal issues through art has earned him both staunch supporters and vocal detractors. However, this dichotomy is precisely what makes his work so potent - it sparks conversation, challenges norms, and evokes emotions in viewers.

English’s paintings are rich in detail, displaying masterful brushwork, and a keen eye for colour and composition. The use of vivid and bold colours is a hallmark of English's art. He employs striking colour palettes that enhance the visual impact of his work and help draw attention to the central messages he wishes to convey. The sharp contrast between bright and dark tones further adds to the dynamic nature of his paintings. English's sculptures, often featuring a mix of cartoonish characters and realistic forms, carry a touch of whimsy while conveying a serious underlying message.

Ron English's art is a reflection of his diverse influences and experiences. His ability to blend elements from pop culture, advertising, street art, surrealism, comics, and political activism creates a compelling and thought-provoking body of work. Through his art, English challenges viewers to examine the world around them critically and contemplate the consequences of the culture in which they participate.

Having seen Picasso’s epic, anti-war mural in person, English decided that he wanted to do “100 versions of it in every way that I could think of.” Taking this art historical icon as his template, he refers to it as “a melody that you redo. Everyone recognises it and knows what it means.” While reframing it, he perceives that the original “undercurrent gives other subjects meaning”.

It was in 1937 that Picasso painted ‘Guernica’ as a powerful piece of propaganda, protesting the horrific bombing of the Basque town by Fascist forces during the Spanish Civil War. However, rather than painting the tragic scenes of war with realism, his mural borders on the surreal and caricature, allowing him to persuade the public with the appeal of a dramatic storyboard.

In his debut release with Castle Fine Art, Ron English has reframed Picasso’s most famous masterpiece ‘Guernica’ in a series of revolutionary interpretations. Using the renowned artwork as a template, English has intertwined humour, satire, and social commentary with characters from his very own Delusionville and the Star Wars franchise for this powerful release.