Mark Ryden

Mark Ryden blasted through the 90s with a new genre: Pop Surrealism. He is now a world renowned artist known for his works that are cute yet disturbing, while incorporating cultural connotations.

"the viewer is confronted with the juxtaposition of the childhood innocence and the mysterious recesses of the soul. A subtle disquiet inhabits his paintings; the work is achingly beautiful as it hints at darker psychic stuff beneath the surface of cultural kitsch."

As you look into one of Ryden's works, you enter one of the fantasty worlds he has created. You can recognize some familiar icons and themes, however, his subjects have an eery look in their eyes like we are interrupting something, as if we just opened a trap door and shouldn't be looking in.

Ryden recieved a BFA in 1987 from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. His paintings have been exhibited in museums and galleries worldwide. Mark has designed album art for various artists such as Michael Jackson, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Ringo Starr. He currently lives in LA. 

See more of his work at MarkRyden.com