John Ryrie’s work is underpinned by an affinity for printmaking. He is drawn to symbolism and expressionism, in particular the woodcuts prints of late 19th century Edvard Munch (the artist best known for ‘The Scream’), Japanese artist Shiko Munakata and William Blake. Ryrie’s ‘Icarus’ is an ode to one of Greek mythology's most tragic figures. Through the clever use of a vertical format, this work crafts a heightened vulnerability and rapid descent — emphasising the eternal human narrative of ambition and hubris.

Ryrie’s etching captures the melodrama of Icarus’ fall to earth with an unexpected sense of grace and beauty. The feathers, a representation of Icarus’ melted wings, float downward in contrast to the figure, reminding one of the dark finality of Icarus's fate: the consequence of flying too close to the sun.

Ryrie is an esteemed printmaker. He was awarded the Grand Prize in the Silk Cut Award for Linocut Prints and a finalist in the Geelong acquisitive print awards, and is represented at the National Gallery of Australia. For collectors of contemporary prints and visual storytelling, ‘Icarus’ is a compelling find.

John RYRIE (1961 - )
'Icarus' 2003
etching on paper
Edition of 40
Image Size: 50 x 17 cm
Dimensions: 76 x 38 cm
Signed: Editioned, titled, signed 'John Ryrie' and dated in margin

Comes with Letter of Provenance

Condition: Excellent:

(c) John Ryrie / Copyright Agency