Ryan Jones
Upcoming Exhibition, Icons, July 10 - 31 in San Francisco
Artist Reception | San Francisco | Thursday, July 10th | 5 - 7pm
Ryan Jones’ latest body of work masterfully reimagines the essence of pop culture icons through his distinctive use of divided canvases, creating a visual dialogue between past and present. Drawing from his background in cinematic matte painting, Jones fragments and juxtaposes imagery—ranging from classic cars and vintage watches to legendary film figures—into cohesive narratives that invite viewers to explore the cultural significance of these symbols. His paintings not only celebrate the allure of bygone eras but also prompt reflection on how these icons have shaped contemporary identity and desire. In an age dominated by rapid digital consumption, Jones' work offers a contemplative pause, encouraging audiences to consider the enduring impact of visual media on our collective consciousness. By bridging the gap between nostalgia and the now, his art explores the relevance of historical imagery in today's social media landscape.
Biography
Ryan Jones is an American artist known for contemporary realist paintings. Born in Alameda, California, Jones’ artistic journey was shaped early by studies in the San Francisco Bay Area at CCA. Later at Stanford University, notable artist Enrique Chagoya provided mentorship and Jones graduated with degrees in Art and Engineering. After school Ryan worked as a backdrop painter for George Lucas on scores of Hollywood films where his eye for cinematic intrigue helped mold a distinct lens through which he viewed the world. This work in the film industry led him across the world to Singapore where he lived for several years before returning back to Mill Valley, CA where Ryan now resides and paints. Over time Jones began employing a largely self taught fusion of techniques inspired by a love of the old masters and contemporary favorites such as James Rosenquist. Ryan’s work now embraces and challenges the traditions of realist painting with a modern exploration of contemporary practices and observations. His artwork is included in a number of prestigious private collections including that of Prince Albert II and has been showcased in galleries, museums and art fairs all over the world.
Jones’ early work provided social commentary through a juxtaposition of imagery from media sources spanning several decades. After years of city life, a move to a rural area with vibrant flora in the hillsides surrounding his studio opened the doors to new sources of inspiration. Themes such as beauty, mortality, and loss have begun to underpin his practice as the transient qualities of each of these serves to reaffirm the present. Flowers bloom then fade and light burns bright then extinguishes as these cycles perpetuate across eternity. Through an exploration of the details and repetition in these cycles, Ryan searches for intention in the mysteries of our world.
Ryan’s enigmatic paintings present an examination of existence through realistic depictions of life. Scenes captured in the everyday world are painstakingly reimagined with the brush on canvas and a conscious purpose to extract meaning from that which underlies our being. Subject matter portrayed is not merely static but dynamic form in an ever changing interplay of light and shadow. A deliberate choice to depict elements in and out of focus channels narratives of searching, loneliness and the fragility of existence. Searingly relevant in today's fast world of social media obsession, Jones’ work beckons us to step away from our devices and pay closer attention to nature’s continual offering.
Born
1981 Alameda, CA
Education
2003 Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Selected Solo Exhibitions
2024 Caldwell Snyder Gallery, San Francisco, CA
2023 Caldwell Snyder Gallery, Montecito and St. Helena, CA
2022 Caldwell Snyder Gallery, St. Helena, CA
2021 Recent Paintings, Caldwell Snyder Gallery, San Francisco, St. Helena, and Montecito, CA.
2020 Looking Forward to the Past, Caldwell Snyder Gallery, San Francisco
Laura Rathe Fine Art, Dallas, TX
2019 Recent Works, Caldwell Snyder Gallery, San Francisco
Art Market San Francisco, Caldwell Snyder Gallery
Laura Rathe Fine Art, Dallas, TX
Skidmore Contemporary, Santa Monica, CA
Oliver Cole Gallery, Miami, FL
2018 Scattered Postcards, Caldwell Snyder Gallery, San Francisco, CA.
2017 Caldwell Snyder Gallery, St. Helena, CA.
2016 Slivers of Reality, Caldwell Snyder Gallery, San Francisco, CA.
2014 Tunnel Vision, Campton Gallery, New York, NY.
Caldwell Snyder Gallery, St. Helena, CA.
2010 111 Minna Gallery, San Francisco, CA.
Wonderland SF Gallery, San Francisco, CA.
Project 1 Gallery, San Francisco, CA.
Selected Group Exhibitions
2020 De Young Open, De Young Museum, San Francisco
Hamptons Art Fair, Southampton, NY
2019 Art Market San Francisco, Caldwell Snyder Gallery
SCOPE Miami, Caldwell Snyder Gallery
Grace Kelly 90 Years, Prince Albert II, Monaco
AFM Telethon, France
Art Wynwood Art Fair, Miami, FL
2018 35th Anniversary Show, Caldwell Snyder Gallery, San Francisco, CA.
Art Market San Francisco, Caldwell Snyder Gallery, San Francisco, CA.
Skidmore Contemporary, Santa Monica, CA
2017 Art Market San Francisco, Caldwell Snyder Gallery, SF, CA
10 Year Anniversary Show, Caldwell Snyder Gallery, St. Helena, CA.
JoAnne Artman Gallery, Laguna Beach, CA
2016 Caldwell Snyder Gallery, St. Helena, CA.
Miami Context, Caldwell Snyder Gallery, Miami, FL.
Art Market SF, Caldwell Snyder Gallery, San Francisco, CA.
Context NY, Caldwell Snyder Gallery, New York, NY.
JoAnne Artman Gallery, Laguna Beach, CA
Rarity Gallery, Mykonos, Greece
2015 Miami Context, Caldwell Snyder Gallery, Miami, FL.
Art Market SF, Caldwell Snyder Gallery, San Francisco, CA.
Art Silicon Valley, Caldwell Snyder Gallery, San Mateo, CA.
Rarity Gallery, Mykonos, Greece.
2014 Miami Context, Caldwell Snyder Gallery, Miami, FL.
Caldwell Snyder Gallery, St. Helena, CA.
Art Southampton, Caldwell Snyder Gallery, Southampton, NY.
2013 James Bond Show, Time And Space Gallery, Los Angeles, CA.
Fantastic 50, 111 Minna Gallery, San Francisco, CA.
3 Year Anniversary, Wonderland SF Gallery, San Francisco, CA.
2012 Opening Exhibition, Kult Gallery, Singapore.
Envisioned Enhancement, Wonderland SF Gallery, San Francisco, CA.
La Jungla, Wonderland SF Gallery, San Francisco, CA.
Emerging Artists of 2012, Driftwood Art Salon, SF, CA.
Chillin’ Productions, San Francisco, CA.
Selected Public & Private Collections
Prince Albert II - Prince of Monaco • The Lyon Family Foundation • Hughes Marino - Corporate Headquarters • Lucasfilm • Michael Rapaport • Ink House, Napa • Edge Restaurant, Napa Valley • Les and Mac McQuown • Alexander Moore • Bianca Ruiz • Jesse and Martha Cuevas • Nathan and Nora Hennings • Julie and Jeff Brody • Mike Ero • Richard, Chris and Jeanne Johanson • Adam and Ali Chetkowski, CA Home and Design Editor • Lindsay Shook, CA Home and Design Editor • Johnny Cupcakes • Ramon and Lauren Castillon, Base Bootcamp • Peter Honigsberg • Nancy and Pat Forester • Paul Hemming, Temple Nightclub & Art Gallery • Adam and Erin Horowitz • Bill and Susan Brandt • Kimberly Ayers • Lisa and Mark Brandin • Spencer Doyl
Press
PRESS
Selected Artworks
Born
1981 Alameda, CA
Education
2003 Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Selected Solo Exhibitions
2024 Caldwell Snyder Gallery, San Francisco, CA
2023 Caldwell Snyder Gallery, Montecito and St. Helena, CA
2022 Caldwell Snyder Gallery, St. Helena, CA
2021 Recent Paintings, Caldwell Snyder Gallery, San Francisco, St. Helena, and Montecito, CA.
2020 Looking Forward to the Past, Caldwell Snyder Gallery, San Francisco
Laura Rathe Fine Art, Dallas, TX
2019 Recent Works, Caldwell Snyder Gallery, San Francisco
Art Market San Francisco, Caldwell Snyder Gallery
Laura Rathe Fine Art, Dallas, TX
Skidmore Contemporary, Santa Monica, CA
Oliver Cole Gallery, Miami, FL
2018 Scattered Postcards, Caldwell Snyder Gallery, San Francisco, CA.
2017 Caldwell Snyder Gallery, St. Helena, CA.
2016 Slivers of Reality, Caldwell Snyder Gallery, San Francisco, CA.
2014 Tunnel Vision, Campton Gallery, New York, NY.
Caldwell Snyder Gallery, St. Helena, CA.
2010 111 Minna Gallery, San Francisco, CA.
Wonderland SF Gallery, San Francisco, CA.
Project 1 Gallery, San Francisco, CA.
Selected Group Exhibitions
2020 De Young Open, De Young Museum, San Francisco
Hamptons Art Fair, Southampton, NY
2019 Art Market San Francisco, Caldwell Snyder Gallery
SCOPE Miami, Caldwell Snyder Gallery
Grace Kelly 90 Years, Prince Albert II, Monaco
AFM Telethon, France
Art Wynwood Art Fair, Miami, FL
2018 35th Anniversary Show, Caldwell Snyder Gallery, San Francisco, CA.
Art Market San Francisco, Caldwell Snyder Gallery, San Francisco, CA.
Skidmore Contemporary, Santa Monica, CA
2017 Art Market San Francisco, Caldwell Snyder Gallery, SF, CA
10 Year Anniversary Show, Caldwell Snyder Gallery, St. Helena, CA.
JoAnne Artman Gallery, Laguna Beach, CA
2016 Caldwell Snyder Gallery, St. Helena, CA.
Miami Context, Caldwell Snyder Gallery, Miami, FL.
Art Market SF, Caldwell Snyder Gallery, San Francisco, CA.
Context NY, Caldwell Snyder Gallery, New York, NY.
JoAnne Artman Gallery, Laguna Beach, CA
Rarity Gallery, Mykonos, Greece
2015 Miami Context, Caldwell Snyder Gallery, Miami, FL.
Art Market SF, Caldwell Snyder Gallery, San Francisco, CA.
Art Silicon Valley, Caldwell Snyder Gallery, San Mateo, CA.
Rarity Gallery, Mykonos, Greece.
2014 Miami Context, Caldwell Snyder Gallery, Miami, FL.
Caldwell Snyder Gallery, St. Helena, CA.
Art Southampton, Caldwell Snyder Gallery, Southampton, NY.
2013 James Bond Show, Time And Space Gallery, Los Angeles, CA.
Fantastic 50, 111 Minna Gallery, San Francisco, CA.
3 Year Anniversary, Wonderland SF Gallery, San Francisco, CA.
2012 Opening Exhibition, Kult Gallery, Singapore.
Envisioned Enhancement, Wonderland SF Gallery, San Francisco, CA.
La Jungla, Wonderland SF Gallery, San Francisco, CA.
Emerging Artists of 2012, Driftwood Art Salon, SF, CA.
Chillin’ Productions, San Francisco, CA.
Selected Public & Private Collections
Prince Albert II - Prince of Monaco • The Lyon Family Foundation • Hughes Marino - Corporate Headquarters • Lucasfilm • Michael Rapaport • Ink House, Napa • Edge Restaurant, Napa Valley • Les and Mac McQuown • Alexander Moore • Bianca Ruiz • Jesse and Martha Cuevas • Nathan and Nora Hennings • Julie and Jeff Brody • Mike Ero • Richard, Chris and Jeanne Johanson • Adam and Ali Chetkowski, CA Home and Design Editor • Lindsay Shook, CA Home and Design Editor • Johnny Cupcakes • Ramon and Lauren Castillon, Base Bootcamp • Peter Honigsberg • Nancy and Pat Forester • Paul Hemming, Temple Nightclub & Art Gallery • Adam and Erin Horowitz • Bill and Susan Brandt • Kimberly Ayers • Lisa and Mark Brandin • Spencer Doyl
Ryan Jones is an American artist known for contemporary realist paintings. Born in Alameda, California, Jones’ artistic journey was shaped early by studies in the San Francisco Bay Area at CCA. Later at Stanford University, notable artist Enrique Chagoya provided mentorship and Jones graduated with degrees in Art and Engineering. After school Ryan worked as a backdrop painter for George Lucas on scores of Hollywood films where his eye for cinematic intrigue helped mold a distinct lens through which he viewed the world. This work in the film industry led him across the world to Singapore where he lived for several years before returning back to Mill Valley, CA where Ryan now resides and paints. Over time Jones began employing a largely self taught fusion of techniques inspired by a love of the old masters and contemporary favorites such as James Rosenquist. Ryan’s work now embraces and challenges the traditions of realist painting with a modern exploration of contemporary practices and observations. His artwork is included in a number of prestigious private collections including that of Prince Albert II and has been showcased in galleries, museums and art fairs all over the world.
Jones’ early work provided social commentary through a juxtaposition of imagery from media sources spanning several decades. After years of city life, a move to a rural area with vibrant flora in the hillsides surrounding his studio opened the doors to new sources of inspiration. Themes such as beauty, mortality, and loss have begun to underpin his practice as the transient qualities of each of these serves to reaffirm the present. Flowers bloom then fade and light burns bright then extinguishes as these cycles perpetuate across eternity. Through an exploration of the details and repetition in these cycles, Ryan searches for intention in the mysteries of our world.
Ryan’s enigmatic paintings present an examination of existence through realistic depictions of life. Scenes captured in the everyday world are painstakingly reimagined with the brush on canvas and a conscious purpose to extract meaning from that which underlies our being. Subject matter portrayed is not merely static but dynamic form in an ever changing interplay of light and shadow. A deliberate choice to depict elements in and out of focus channels narratives of searching, loneliness and the fragility of existence. Searingly relevant in today's fast world of social media obsession, Jones’ work beckons us to step away from our devices and pay closer attention to nature’s continual offering.
Biography
Upcoming Exhibition, Icons, July 10 - 31 in San Francisco
Artist Reception | San Francisco | Thursday, July 10th | 5 - 7pm
Ryan Jones’ latest body of work masterfully reimagines the essence of pop culture icons through his distinctive use of divided canvases, creating a visual dialogue between past and present. Drawing from his background in cinematic matte painting, Jones fragments and juxtaposes imagery—ranging from classic cars and vintage watches to legendary film figures—into cohesive narratives that invite viewers to explore the cultural significance of these symbols. His paintings not only celebrate the allure of bygone eras but also prompt reflection on how these icons have shaped contemporary identity and desire. In an age dominated by rapid digital consumption, Jones' work offers a contemplative pause, encouraging audiences to consider the enduring impact of visual media on our collective consciousness. By bridging the gap between nostalgia and the now, his art explores the relevance of historical imagery in today's social media landscape.
Ryan Jones
Ryan Jones's paintings refract our modernity through lenses of the past, recontextualizing archival imagery as a means of telling new stories about the present. With references spanning film, advertising, and media across several decades, Jones's fracturing and reassembling of the subject matter speaks both to the relentless passing of time and the perpetuation of cultural memory. The work is cinematic, mysterious, and stylistically provocative with its use of composition and the embellishment of visuals from the worlds of film and advertising. Having originally begun his career as a painter of lifelike backdrops for film sets, Jones's talent of painting for the silver screen finds echoes in his paintings' luminous highlights and manipulated depth, while the framing of his tableaus evokes storyboards created for screenplays or scripts. Jones's signature use of a divided canvas allows for disparate scenes to accumulate towards a larger narrative, ultimately completed by the viewer's own projections. What results is a colliding of past and present, charting the evolution of iconography and its many meanings within the endless expanse of history.
Upcoming Exhibition, Icons, July 10 - 31 in San Francisco
Artist Reception | San Francisco | Thursday, July 10th | 5 - 7pm
Ryan Jones’ latest body of work masterfully reimagines the essence of pop culture icons through his distinctive use of divided canvases, creating a visual dialogue between past and present. Drawing from his background in cinematic matte painting, Jones fragments and juxtaposes imagery—ranging from classic cars and vintage watches to legendary film figures—into cohesive narratives that invite viewers to explore the cultural significance of these symbols. His paintings not only celebrate the allure of bygone eras but also prompt reflection on how these icons have shaped contemporary identity and desire. In an age dominated by rapid digital consumption, Jones' work offers a contemplative pause, encouraging audiences to consider the enduring impact of visual media on our collective consciousness. By bridging the gap between nostalgia and the now, his art explores the relevance of historical imagery in today's social media landscape.