John Ralston
Lucekke Conglomerate
Paint, Plaster, Resin
23x23cm
2021
Jvaedeon Isthmus
Paint, Plaster, Resin
58x41cm
2021
STATEMENT
My art explores the core essence of ingots—condensed, invaluable symbols of accumulation and time. Like ingots, which are mined and stripped of extraneous elements, I focus on distilling the environment around my work to reflect only its most elemental aspects. These ingots act as metaphors for both the known elements and the hidden secrets of vast celestial realms, challenging our understanding of matter and existence.
The universe, a canvas rich with mystery and complex processes, inspires my artistic exploration. I am fascinated by the forces that shape existence—heat that melds, time that transforms, erosion that sculpts, and the friction that reshapes everything it touches. In my art, I breathe new life into the waste and byproducts of these processes, underscoring the cyclical nature of existence where today’s abundance becomes tomorrow’s rarity.
Distancing myself from the prevailing standards and transient trends of the contemporary art world, I strive for my work to resonate universally. Each piece is a narrative of skills refined over time, evolving from naive curiosity to seasoned expertise. My art invites the viewer to see beyond the surface, recognizing that duality can coexist in a single gaze.
In today’s world, cluttered with contradictions and superficiality, my art offers a haven—a space for raw, unfiltered emotion and thought, rebelling against the creeping mundanity of our times. Amidst shifting values and uncertain futures, my art is not just an aesthetic pursuit but a journey towards self-realization and a humble offering of this understanding to those who engage with it.
John Ralston