Fictional reality: Ryan Gander probes the limits and possibilities of the human condition

Arriving at Lisson Gallery in Chelsea for the British conceptual artist Ryan Gander’s latest exhibition, the first artwork to catch my attention was a pair of animatronic eyes embedded in the wall opposite the entrance. Activated by motion sensors from behind, the witty and ingenious Dominae Illud Opus Populare (2016) registers a range of emotions. In a clever reversal of normal gallery viewing, its watchful eyes surprise by returning the visitor’s steadfast gaze, emulating the exhibition’s title 'I see straight through you'.
Gander subtly refers to himself as 'Mr Modern Classical Conceptualist' through one work – a master storyteller whose considerable output encompasses an array of mediums spanning design, sculpture, photography, language, and performance. Imbuing objects with subtle nuances, the artist’s overarching narratives on the nature of art form the basis of his work.
'I want to see the possibilities as well as the limitations of the human condition,' explains the artist, looking at the life-size animation characters scattered around the main room. 'You’ll see that their position and hand gestures imply feelings of loneliness and melancholy. Another holds the leg of a small, broken figuration upside down reminding me of my own infirmity.' Alluding to a long-term physical disability confining the artist to a wheelchair, stately antique French mirrors draped in marble sheets cloak the trauma of self-image and ego.
The show concludes with a walled-off artwork which expands on the artist's Fieldwork installation, displaying 32 new everyday products in Gander's collection. It's accompanied by a catalogue with full-page photographs and provocative essays that discuss the phenomenology of the products presented.
Activated by motion sensors from behind, Dominae Illud Opus Populare, 2016, has been programmed to mimic every possible expression through the eyes.
A new interation of Gander's Fieldwork installation is on view, with 32 everyday objects on a conveyor belt sliding into view through a window.
Installation view of Fieldwork, 2016.
INFORMATION
’I see straight through you’ runs until 15 October. For more information, visit the Lisson Gallery website
ADDRESS
504 W 24th St
New York
NY 10011
-
How to choose the right sunscreen for your skin
Consult our definitive sunscreen guide to answer your most burning sunscreen questions and find the product that’s best suited to your skin type
By Mary Cleary • Published
-
Minimalist architecture: homes that inspire calm
These examples of minimalist architecture place life in the foreground – clutter is demoted; joy promoted
By Ellie Stathaki • Published
-
V&A Dundee’s ‘Everything but the Clothes’ catalogues rare fashion show ephemera
‘The Fashion Show: Everything but the Clothes’ (3 June 2023 to January 2024) at V&A Dundee sees curator Ian R Webb collate a vast display of behind-the-scenes ephemera – from show invites to sketchbooks and photographs
By Zoe Whitfield • Published
-
Julian Opie on VR, shuffle dancing and obsessive art collecting
Artist Julian Opie reflects on life, work and turning London’s Lisson Gallery into a playground of VR (until 15 April). We explore his new show and peek behind the scenes of his London studio
By Harriet Lloyd-Smith • Published
-
Marina Abramović in London: death, Maria Callas and breaking the rules of Opera
Ahead of her dramatic operatic takeover in London, we spoke to Marina Abramović about ‘Seven Deaths’, her multifaceted homage to soprano Maria Callas
By Jessica Klingelfuss • Last updated
-
Pedro Reyes: ‘sculpture is a very jealous goddess’
In ‘Tlali', an exhibition at Lisson Gallery, New York, Mexican artist Pedro Reyes carves into the spirituality of stone, the complex history of the American continent and the vocabulary of pre-Columbian and Mesoamerican civilisations
By Harriet Lloyd-Smith • Last updated
-
Eden Project branches out with 2019 art programme
The Cornwall-based attraction and eductional charity has unveiled the latest additions to its growing permanent art collection, including new works by Julian Opie and Ryan Gander
By Jessica Klingelfuss • Last updated
-
Six artists not to miss at the Liverpool Biennial
By Charlotte Jansen • Last updated
-
Art Night reveals blockbuster programme as the festival gears up for its third edition
By Jessica Klingelfuss • Published
-
Snow storms and toppled Breuer chairs in Ryan Gander’s alternate reality
By Dimity Noble • Last updated
-
Working the room: Daniel Buren sheds light on his new installation
By Charlotte Jansen • Last updated