A more painterly work than some of his other pieces on board, At The Dog And Pony Show includes a clear artistic stroke and visible mark. Ryan’s hand is clearly present in the work, particularly in the taupe background and horse’s neck, where the gesture is sketchier than his usual visually matte finish. The pop of yellow in the rider’s boot splashes out into the black field in an almost impressionistic strip. The blue of the pants also has more depth and the appearance of a layered painting process. A highly stylized depiction of an afternoon scene, the work explores traces and form through narrative.
