Antexpagna is this word my Great Uncle Bill made up. He would say it A LOT to me whilst sitting in a lawn chair and drinking one Coor's banquet after another, I was told by him to never forget it and by way of over exposure to the word, I don't think it is possible to. Like I said, the word isn't real (or maybe it is just because he made it up ? I dunno) but the word is celebratory or spoken in that sense at the very least .
And really that’s what the drawings are really, a celebration of my life thus far.This is something I am just starting to realize. The drawings are repackaged visualizations of stories I tell people (usually over drinks). The stories are almost entirely first hand surreal-ish experiences but some aren't (Doc Ellis or Fabio’s bird incident for example). I have something to fuel the image, the image preserves the story, and best of all I don't have to stretch or sound like a academic knucklehead when I talk about them, because they are meaningful and real to me and they are entertaining as heck.
The images are constructed using abstract elements (pattern, and organic smoke/vapor like formation) comic utilities (like sub panels and motion lines) and old fashion cartoon iconography. I use these components to anchor my story or my experience so I can hopefully connect with a broader audience. Not everyone loves That 70's Show-esque, small town, stoner folklore.. I have always believed that the best art is a combination of first hand experience melded with visual devices that have withstood the test of time,and have been used and re-used through out history.
Ryan Travis Christian was born in Oakland, CA 1983. Graduating with a B.F.A. from Northern Illinois University and now living outside of Chicago, he bides his time as an artist, curator, and writes for the Bay Area based art blog FecalFace.com. Christian has been reviewed on fecalface.com, Time Out Chicago, and The Comics Journal with a feature in the current issue of Beautiful Decay, "What a Mess". Recent curatorial endeavors include West, Wester, Westest! @ FFDG, S.F. and Sports! @ Synchronicity, L.A., and Control C, Control V at EBERSMOORE. With an upcoming, 3 part project @ Western Exhibitions. He has exhibited work @ Dogmatic/Butcher Shop, Roots and Culture, Western Exhibitions, , FFDG, Synchronicity, and Infinity @ Scion Installation, LA. And will be showing work @ Space 1026, Guerrero Gallery, POVEvolving and Baer RIdgway in the near future.
