The Cronin Gallery presents, Kickin’ it Old School, a retrospective exhibit featuring a sampling of works created by Artist Ryan Cronin in the 1990s. A prolific period for Cronin, the ’90s marked the emergence of what would become his signature style of creating bold, large-scale pieces using Rustoleum paint on wood boards, giving his work their uncommon heft and trademark glossy finish.
Part homage, part love story, this show was the brainchild of Melanie Cronin, Ryan’s wife, and business partner. A chance encounter on social media with a long-time fan inspired Melanie to gather some significant work from private collections and bring it back “home” for showcasing in the recently renovated gallery space. The crisp white walls, industrial concrete flooring, and museum-quality lighting breathe new life into these pieces as they hang alongside more recent work, creating a full-circle moment that speaks to Cronin’s evolution as an artist.
On Saturday, December 4, The Cronin Gallery celebrated the opening night of Kickin’ it Old School, with many collectors in attendance, including Brian Mahoney, Editor of the Chronogram, and Lee Anne Albritton. The couple loaned two of their pieces, “Telephone” and “Carp Bait” to the show and had this to share about owning a Cronin piece, “We’ve been collecting Ryan’s work since the late ‘90s and his paintings are the focal point in multiple spaces in our home. We love his graphic, exuberant style that’s serious and fun all at once.”
On loan from private collections, the show will run through early March. The CronArtUSA team was able to use this opportunity to document the pieces for the first time. Signed, limited edition prints are now available in the gallery and online.
About Ryan Cronin & CronArtUSA:
As a painter, sculptor, muralist, and product designer, Ryan Cronin reconfigures the world through art by appropriating text and figures from his surroundings. Cronin’s work provokes discussion and tackles social issues while bringing a sense of play into the viewer’s day. A passionate and global-minded philanthropist, Cronin founded 12 Months of Giving in 2016 to give back to causes close to his heart. Each year, different charities are chosen to be beneficiaries to support the work he does as an agent of change. In September of 2019, Cronin completed a month-long artists’ residency at Thread through the Josef and Anni Albers Foundation in Senegal, West Africa. Since 2015 Cronin has maintained a permanent gallery location and shop at the Water Street Market, 10 Main Street, New Paltz.