Ryan Tuke

DESCRIPTION //

“Autopsy” is an A4 collage that explores my irrational fear of bees and medical procedures. Making the composition black and grey instead of colour was a decision that was made based off the bee being the focal point. I stumbled upon the image of the bee in an Australian wildlife book and the way it was shot reminded me of a old medical journal. The image was grainy, textured and yet very detailed almost like the memory of my first bee sting. The mummified figures at the bottom of the composition reinforce the power of this bee, insinuating that just one sting can result in death. This imagery represents how the mind can twist a fear and manifest the worst outcome possible.

DESIGN PROCESS //

I start my design process by digging through old books at op-shops. I really enjoy the experience of going through old books and looking at the way imagery was used/explored at different periods of time. I think I found the image of the bee in an old Australian Wildlife book that outlined some of Australia’s most dangerous animals. The rest of the supporting imagery was found in an Egyptian history book and old issues of Thrasher Magazine. Usually after I find a book I really like I will sit down with some scissors and go Through each page cutting out any imagery that jumps out at me or visually intrigues me. The next step is finding the focal point of the collage and then collating supporting material for the composition to come together and make sense. This involves me sprawling out hundreds of previous and new cut-outs I have collected on my floor/desk scanning each piece of paper trying to make something come together.

How would you describe your style?

When it comes to collaging I think my style would be bold and in-your-face and maybe “punk?” I really like imagery that smacks you in the face but you can’t take your eyes off.

What are your influences?

I really love skateboarding graphics used on boards and through advertising. They are quick, bold and get the point across instantly. Other than skateboarding I’d have to say another influence in the collage world is Annegret Soltau. She uses images of herself stitched together to create really confronting imagery that’s hard to look away from. Apart from that, anything that I can’t look away from is inspiring to me. It could even be an old sign or graphic in the street that impacts the way I explore composition and the relationship between images.

If you could be any animal in the world, what animal would you be and why?

I think being a cat would be insane. Everything you want/need is done for you and all you have to do is show a tiny bit of affection for your position in a home to be solidified. You’d literally get to eat and sleep all day. I don’t know if I’d get bored though. Probably not.

If you could only choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

“PICK IT UP” by Famous Dex ft. A$AP Rocky. The way that beat comes in is so crazy I could never get tired of that.

ARTIST | PERTH, WA

AGE | 21

INSTAGRAM | @tuke.tv ONLINE STORE | tuketv.bigcartel.com

TOOLS | Scissors, Glue, Exacto Knife