VILLAZAN is pleased to present Ryol's first solo exhibition with the gallery in Madrid, entitled "Polah", with a series of works highlighting the movements of the limbs as they engage in these activities, which is expressed in Javanese with the word "Polah", chosen for its inherent nuance. "Polah" refers to the movements made by children, or the energetic, joyful and mischievous acts made even by adults.

Yogyakarta based Artist (b. 1993), Laksamana Ryo a.k.a Ryol has been focusing his skills in visual art, especially pop culture visual art. Originally a musician-wannabe, Ryol turned his passion into a pop culture visual artist with his childhood background as the biggest influence. Thanks to the parents and Sunday’s cartoon TV programs for being the ‘early stage’ that unconsciously had transformed him as an artist with freedom and responsibility during creating his works.

In his exploration, Ryol is strongly inspired by impressionist works, which powerfully capture moments and feelings. But here's the twist: he tries to capture impressions from popular culture media, things he sees on screens, rather than real objects. There is a transformation of reality from what he consumes to his imagination. His works also embody reality by depicting everyday activities rather than surreal moments, yet using highly imaginative elements, such as distortions and hyperbolic cartoon movements. His unique approach combines playfully realities of the anime world and cubism in different forms to achieve the desired visual complexity.

The characters represent the 90's generation, who, like Ryol, grow up influenced by the pop culture products of their era. They can be seen spending their time doing business as usual, wearing costumes mimicking their beloved TV show icons.

In the artist’s own words "the way I imitate popular images, such as the anime/cartoon figures I received as a child, cannot be separated from the way pop artists work. Like other pop artists, who frequently adopt icons from mass culture, such as advertisements, photos, comic strips, magazines, films, or other sources related to mass products/cultures. As a pop artist it is a dilemma for me. I feel the same way when I paint popular images on canvas”.

Through "Polah", Ryol invites the viewer to rethink reality and shows how imagination can enhance the most banal everyday experiences.

Ryol’s exhibition “Polah” runs from March 21st through April 13th, 2024 at VILLAZAN Madrid.