The Oregon Coast Council for the Arts presents “Concealment & Revelation,” an exhibition of paintings and mixed-media works by John L. Ryczek, from April 10 through May 29 in the Runyan Gallery at the Newport Visual Arts Center. Ryczek focuses on the figure and perspective with regards to popular culture and history. He works in craft materials, such as Elmer’s glue, wood, pencil, construction paper, acrylic and latex paint, to ground his pieces in a certain framework of time.
Given COVID-19 restrictions, the Newport Visual Arts Center (777 NW Beach Dr.) is currently open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm. Online interviews and presentations are being scheduled to accompany the exhibit as well.
Currently residing in Portland, John L. Ryczek was born in 1970 in Oak Park, IL. He holds a Bachelors of Fine Arts from the University of Illinois at Chicago. His work has been displayed in the Portland Art Museum, the Center on Contemporary Art (Seattle), the Froelick Gallery, the Art Gym at Marylhurst University, the Basil Hallward Gallery and various alternative spaces in Portland. His work has been featured in the Seattle Times, the Oregonian, Willamette Week and the Organ Review of Arts.
“Concealment & Revelation” will include work from Ryczek’s three series titled Glue Field, Relief and Mixed Media, as well as older works. “The pieces work to influence each other, building upon each other in layers, while also skipping from one mode to another; much like the memories they are inspired by,” says Ryczek.
“OCCA is excited to show John’s large-scale and contemporary works,” says OCCA VAC Director Tom Webb. “The exhibition should serve as a strong survey of his work over the past two decades.”
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The Newport Visual Arts Center adheres to all health and safety protocol provided by the Governor’s Office as well as the City of Newport. All visitors to the VAC are required to wear proper masks and have their temperature taken prior to entry.
The Oregon Coast Council for the Arts manages the Newport Visual Arts Center and the Newport Performing Arts Center, and serves as the regional arts council for Oregon’s seven coastal counties.