As I approached the main gallery on First Friday to get a sneak preview of the latest Kyle Ragsdale show, I decided to see what new work was in the hallway. As I went up the steps, motion-sensored lights spilled onto a series of framed works that were quite unexpected. This striking collection of monotype prints were done by Kyle, who's best known for his works in oil. This new series is a delightful departure from his signature work, though every bit as attention-grabbing.

He mentions in his treatment that inspiration struck him while discovering a late 14th-century painting of the Catholic biblical figure Tobias, led by the angel Gabriel when visiting the Uffizi Museum in Italy. In the painting, Tobias is seen toting a fish like a purse and the peculiar image amused him enough to create a narrative around it.

Kyle Ragsdale
*Meet & Greet*
Oil
24" x 36"

After attending a print workshop in Florence, this fish-toting figure was made into an etching plate and became the frontman of the subject matter in the series. The monotypes are rich with color, each element thoughtfully overprinted – allowing hazy swaths of pigment to envelop the background that borders each delicately etched figure. In more light-handed compositions, the characters emerge from the negative space like monochrome polaroid images, mingling with candy wrappers and scraps of exotic handmade paper, cleverly superimposed in strategic spots throughout the composition. These carefully curated bits of ephemera complement the overall color palette, adding more intrigue to the etchings.

The most impressive accomplishment of these works is the manner in which each print upholds the classic antiquity of works from ancient Italy while remaining current in their overlapping with 21st-century elements. I liken them to rare Florentine artifacts that arrived through time travel to occupy the contemporary art landscape.

Though the new print work is abundant, Kyle's signature oil paintings are also prominently featured. Employing the Bay Area figurative style of painting, he sculpts with paint until layers of color create form, scraping paint with a trowel across his canvas, and refining the strokes with a brush. His classic motifs are present in his new canvas work, where mysterious figures are animated by light and made mortal with subtle action poses, implying conversation and movement.

Kyle Ragsdale
*With a Little Help from My Friends*
Oil
6' x 8'

When I view Kyle’s work I see a recurring theme, celestial forest gatherings where sprite-like beings congregate among animal demi-gods to deliberate on the state of nature. I don’t know if that is his intent, but his figurative approach allows the viewer to create their own explanation. The figures suggest a narrative without demanding explanation while conveying a point of view centered in peace and candidness.

Kyle Ragsdale
*Home Again, Home Again*
Oil
4' x 5'

Kyle continues to amaze and impress with his command of the medium and aesthetic execution. I have a sense that the Renaissance painters and printmakers of Florence would thoroughly enjoy this show if they were living today, and I’m certain you will too.

Hugo & the Fish Purse