RYAN KVANDE

You are getting sleepy, very sleepy… once set in motion, the mesmerizing sculptures by Ryan Kvande create a hypnotic allure that may even induce a trance: these handmade creations have two decorative wheels spinning in opposite directions, triggering a phenomenon of continually changing patterns for your visual pleasure.

The M.A.D.Gallery in Geneva presents SPUNWHEEL, a collection of six works of art, each of which is unique thanks to original patterns further enhanced by the natural wood grains of the Baltic birchwood used by the artist. Ryan’s interpretation of the simple moiré pattern produces a spellbinding performance that deepens our love for kinetic art here at the M.A.D.Gallery. When seen from far away, it looks as if it is one shape moving in an impossible way! 

These works of art were born out of the challenge of an empty wall; American artist Ryan Kvande saw a moiré pattern and his mind flooded with possibilities suitable for the space. “Pulling that idea out of my imagination and making it real was the challenge,” he explained. “I settled on wood as my medium and had to learn every aspect from scratch. I made three amazing sculptures for that empty wall. Looking at them was like getting lost staring at a campfire. I knew I had created something special and had to share.” 

The sculptures, already visually attractive when still, become downright fascinating when set in motion with a simple spin of the hand. The observer almost sinks into a trance watching these mechanical oeuvres in motion, making it almost impossible to take one’s eyes off them. Each piece has a run time of approximately 20 minutes; as the motion slows, a "rocking effect” begins, and the wheels rotate back and forth at varying speeds, creating a stimulating kaleidoscope-like visual.

Finding his true niche as an artist, Ryan Kvande has created a breathtakingly unique collection of kinetic wooden wall sculptures: from the concept to the beautiful finishing touches, he handcrafts each wooden sculpture. Serious about perfection, the sculptures are meticulously measured, precisely cut, and undergo numerous stages of sanding. The strong Baltic birchwood receives several coats of wood dye applied in dark brown with cerulean blue, rust, or fiery red accents, emphasising its appealing grain. Further enhancing the timber details, a final coat of Tung oil, which is highly resistant to water, is rubbed into the wood. The result is a truly unique and captivating sculpture. 

Two of the round works, Razzle and Trance, fascinate with their powerful, spinning motifs. One of the largest in the collection, Razzle measures 40 inches (101 cm) in diameter, while Trance is the smallest at 31 inches (78 cm) across. Both are finished with a dark brown dye. 

Zip, coming in at 36 inches (91 cm), boasts an airy architecture that is further intensified with a fiery red colour in the centre, unfolding a vivid and constantly changing pattern. Similar to Zip in colour composition, Flow has an intricate design that seemingly melts into the wall as the 31-inch (78 cm) sculpture spins. 

Tranquil and Flux both incorporate a cerulean blue throughout the inner motif offering meditative qualities like the waves of the sea. 

These pieces are entrancing: just one hanging on a wall will bring a lifetime of enjoyment to viewers, while a collage of these three-dimensional, kinetic sculptures would be euphoric. Click here to download the pricelist of the exhibition and stop by our gallery in Geneva to see Ryan Kvande’s kinetic works in action. If Geneva isn't in your travel plans, be sure to follow our Facebook and Instagram accounts (@mbfmadgallery) for behind-the-scenes updates. Please don't hesitate to contact us at info@madgallery.ch or stay in touch with the latest happenings at the MB&F M.A.D.Gallery online and via our Facebook and Instagram (@mbfmadgallery) accounts.