From Science Fiction to studios: Ryan Brown talks practice, painting and progress

If you visit the Degree Show and go to our North Light painting studios, you’ll find Ryan Brown’s series of paintings among a host of varied work by our graduating fine artists. 

Ryan is part of our Degree Show Spotlight series that explores the work and experiences of some of the talented students that will be exhibiting in this year’s show. 

‘In the Degree Show, I have hung what I believe to be my nine strongest pieces.’ 

I have made roughly 30 paintings this year that all focus on a single image from a science fiction film.

I see the work I have made as an exploration into why I am fascinated with painting this image. Repetition and appropriation have become significant motifs within my practice. I have used the same format and compositional features to allow for an exploration of tensions and nuanced differences between my paintings. I am also very driven by technique and process, as I believe it is important to have skills and understand the medium I am working with.

‘One of the most significant highlights of my Fine Art degree has been having a studio.’

I have relished my studio experience at Manchester School of Art, it has been at the centre of my development as problems can be discussed and ideas can be realised.

Another significant highlight for me is exhibiting work as a part of the CatFlap Collective (a collective of Fine Art students specialising in painting). We have put on two successful exhibitions that intend to explore what painting is today. Being a part of this collective has impacted the ways I now consider my work in the wider world and how it is experienced by a contemporary audience.

‘My final year has definitely been my strongest and most productive.’

I have consolidated my ideas, realised the conversations and dialogues between my paintings, as well as where they are placed within a contemporary context.

You can see Ryan’s work in our Degree Show until 20 June and you can see more of his work on Instagram.