A seemingly humorous work, Bandaid’s imagery is very much a literal depiction of its title. With few lines and simple blocked out colors, Ryan is able to successfully create a rendering for the common household adhesive. With a circular drop of red blood corresponding to two red crosses on the bottom of the work, there is an equality of forms. However, whereupon first glance the piece seems innocuous it carries a much heavier layered meaning. Written at the bottom of the dressing is the word “Aid,” which coupled with the crosses is suggestive of a positive Aids disease diagnosis. With a large splotch of blood above the text, the link between the disease and its potential to spread through blood is forged. While a band aid may cover a wound and the obvious artificial injury, it fails to address the hidden and much more serious illness below the surface. Through stark marks and basic forms, Ryan is able to explore a historically complex illness that plagues individuals throughout the United States and the world at large.Â
