On Saturday, April 5th San Francisco’s Gauntlet Gallery will open its doors on ‘Out Of Body,’ their new exhibit curated by UK based illustrator Ruben Ireland.
Ireland, the creator of the mystic — the transcendental woman. His portraits read like the documentation of a historical fantasy — ‘At one point, these women lived.’ This will be Ireland’s first trip to the states and his first curated show at Gauntlet Gallery, a space that has consistently shown bold and inspired work in its short year-plus in the city.
I had a brief chat with Ruben about his upcoming show and the gentleman that he is, he also shared some of his as-of-yet-released work that will debut at ‘Out Of Body.’
‘Out Of Body’ by Ruben Ireland
ETDC: When you set out to curate ‘Out of Body,’ did you have a main goal in mind? Were you looking for like-minded artists that fit within the world of your work? How concerned were you with the overall visual flow of the exhibit?
RI: I wanted to gather a diverse mix of artists to create a really varied show. I made sure to choose them because I particularly enjoy their work, rather than trying to control the visual outcome too much, or gathering artists that would serve just to reflect my own aesthetic or ideology.
From the start I had a very vague idea in mind of exploring the human / nature relationship, but I didn’t want this to be set in stone or limit the work, so I explained to everybody that this could be interpreted very broadly.
I’m amazed with the work I’ve seen so far, I feel very proud now that it’s nearly opening night.
by Hsiao-Ron Cheng for Ruben Ireland’s ‘Out of Body’
‘Sister’ by The White Deer for Ruben Ireland’s ‘Out of Body’
‘Turiyaya’ by Ruben Ireland
Are you working on a new series for the show? How many pieces of your own work will be shown?
I will be showing eight new works. Because I don’t usually make very many at once, it’s pushed me to reflect on what I’ve created in the past as well as explore new techniques and ideas.
This is also the result of a few months work, so the collection is quite varied.
‘Cixi,’ collaboration between Ruben Ireland and Helen Vine
Work in progress detail of ‘Cixi’ – collaboration between Ruben Ireland and Helen Vine
Work in progress detail of ‘Cixi’ – collaboration between Ruben Ireland and Helen Vine
Work in progress detail of ‘Cixi’ – collaboration between Ruben Ireland and Helen Vine
You included Muxxi and Jenny Liz Rome in ‘Out of Body,’ both of whom you’ve collaborated with before. Will you be showing any new collaborations?
As well as my own pieces, I’ve been working on two new collaborations which I can’t wait to share. One with Muxxi, who I was eager to work with again since our first collaboration ‘Kobana’, I really love the surreal worlds she creates, I think you’ll enjoy the outcome.
And one with Helen Vine, who I’ve known for years since we studied at University together. We’ve always enjoyed each other’s work but never thought to combine our styles until now.
I haven’t seen the full result yet as she’s working on the finishing touches in her studio, but the glimpses she’s shown me are unreal, she has an incredible eye for detail and a really wild imagination.
‘Magic Mountain’ by Ruben Ireland
‘Paralyse (Matter & Air)’ by Ruben Ireland
Will this be your first time in San Francisco? Any plans while you’re in town? Anything you feel you ‘must see’?
It’s my first time in the US, let alone San Francisco, so I’m ridiculously excited about getting there. I definitely want to do some of the more touristy things like Alcatraz, and The Golden Gate Bridge.
I’ve also been recommended the Observatory and the National park and I heard there are a few good vintage shops and juice bars. But I’ll probably wander around aimlessly for a while first, just to see what I come across.
‘Out Of Body‘ opens Saturday April 5th, with a reception from 7PM – 10PM. Ruben Ireland will be in attendance.
Gauntlet Gallery – 1040 Larkin Street, San Francisco. The show is on display through April 26th
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