Everyday Things by Riley Holloway

'EVERYDAY THINGS'
by
Riley Holloway

Opening Reception May 4, 7-10 p.m. Exhibition on display through June 16.
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Riley Holloway
Hunting Prize finalist and figurative painter Riley Holloway, currently works out of Dallas, TX. Born in Los Angeles, Holloway relocated to Arlington at a young age. Growing up, he developed an early interest in art, learning from his mother, who is an artist herself. He attended The Art Institute of Dallas and the Florence Academy of Art, after which he was awarded an artist residency at The Fairmont Hotel in Dallas.

Following this residency, Holloway had his first solo exhibition at The Gallery located in the Fairmont in 2013. This body of work was based on the individuals he encountered during his residency and felt compelled to paint. Entitled “SHOOK!!!”, these ideas became more of a philosophy for Holloway than just a body of work. He began to see the importance in life of taking emotional experiences, often times difficult, and repurposing them so to speak. The idea for him was to create something useful, something beautiful and something SHOOK!!!

In 2014, Holloway joined forces with Fort Works Art and has been a featured artist in all of their exhibitions to date. Consistently creating new work during this time, Holloway has compiled a staggering body of material within the last two years.

Holloway is best known for his dynamic work and fresh look at figurative art. His images are often accompanied by text and other personal references embedded within the work. Holloway uses a bold painterly technique to create depth within the portraits. There is a softness he translates accompanied with his wild markings. This is seen with his utilization of charcoal and hand drawing, in conjunction with his ability to control and manipulate oils in a traditional process. There is also a wonderful counterbalance of roughness and masculinity seen in the works. This is accomplished with his utilization of the “unfinished” aspects of the image and the rawness and utilitarian nature of many of the panels, gessos and nails he works upon.

Holloway’s aesthetics create familiar spaces that are rich in storytelling, free from constraints, and true to his subjects. Holloway’s technique is undeniable and his content is rich in both drama, history and intimacy.

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Artist Statement
My work begins with the individual. I've always been an observer of people and run into individuals who inspire me through their fashion, personality, or conversation. I am for creating pieces that are rich in storytelling, free from constraints, and true to the person I'm painting. This is accomplished by letting the individual's narrative drive my work. I use traditional drawing and oil painting techniques to communicate the qualities of each individual.