OVER.ARCHING EXPLORATION

At the heart of Ruann Coleman’s artistic expression lies a profound commitment to exploring the intersection of form and meaning. His philosophy is rooted in the belief that art should challenge perceptions and evoke introspection. By embracing ambiguity and complexity, Coleman invites viewers to engage with their work on a deeper level, encouraging a dialogue between the artwork and the observer. This approach is driven by the idea that art is not just a visual experience but a catalyst for personal and communal reflection. Through His work, Coleman seeks to bridge the gap between the tangible and the intangible, creating a space where ideas and emotions converge.

Ruann Coleman’s philosophy also emphasizes the importance of sustainability and ethical practices in art-making. By utilizing materials that are environmentally conscious and adopting techniques that minimize waste, Coleman aligns his creative process with his values. This commitment to sustainability is not only reflected in the materials used but also in the themes explored within his work, which often highlight the delicate balance between humanity and nature. Through this lens, Coleman’s art becomes a vehicle for advocacy, raising awareness about environmental issues while celebrating the beauty of the natural world.

BIOGRAPHY

Born 1988, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Lives and works in George, South Africa.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

EDUCATION

2014 Master of Fine Arts, Stellenbosch University, South Africa.

2012 Bachelor of Fine Arts, Stellenbosch University, South Africa.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

AWARDS AND RESIDENCIES

2016 Fondazione Antonio Ratti (CSAV), Como, Italy.

2015 Centro Luigi Di Sarro, Rome, Italy.

Nirox Foundation, Nirox Sculpture Park, Johannesburg, South Africa.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SOLO EXHIBITIONS

2017 Certain Lengths, SMAC Gallery Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.

2016 Ulterior, Solo Presentation, (SMAC Gallery), FNB Johannesburg Art Fair, Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa.

2015 Found: Rome, Luigi Di Sarro Foundation for Contemporary Artistic Research, Rome, Italy.

2014 Balancing Act, SMAC Gallery Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

GROUP EXHIBITIONS

2018

  • X: Part III, 10 Year Anniversary Exhibition, (SMAC Gallery), Stellenbosch, South Africa.

2017

  • X: PART II, Group Exhibition, (SMAC Gallery), Stellenbosch, South Africa.
  • Back to the Future III – Abstract Art in South Africa: Past & Present, SMAC Gallery Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
  • WORK:PLAY,curated by Layla Leiman, Candice BermanFine Art Gallery,Johannesburg,South Africa.
  • From the Horse’s Mouth, EBONY/CURATED, Cape Town, South Africa.

2016

  • FNB Joburg Art Fair (SMAC Gallery), Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa.
  • UPSTART/STARTUP (SMAC Gallery), Johannesburg, South Africa.
  • Nothing Personal (SMAC Gallery), Stellenbosch, South Africa.
  • Aperto, curated by Lorenzo Benedetti, Villa del Grumello, Como, Italy.
  • A Place in Time, curated by Helen Pheby, Nirox Sculpture Park, Johannesburg, South Africa.
  • The Space Between Maps, Absa Gallery, Johannesburg, South Africa.
  • How Blushing Foot and Scissor Met on the Fourth Floor of Atlantis, Kalashnikovv Gallery, Johannesburg, South Africa.
  • Cape Town Art Fair (SMAC Gallery), CTICC, Cape Town, South Africa.

2015

  • Artissima (SMAC Gallery), The Oval, Lingotto, Turin, Italy.
  • FNB Johannesburg Art Fair (SMAC Gallery), Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa.
  • (In) The Nature of Things, Hermanus FynArts Festival, Old Synagogue Building, Hermanus, South Africa.
  • FIFETEEN MMXV, Hazard Gallery. Johannesburg, South Africa.
  • Nirox Sculpture Fair, Nirox Sculpture Park, Johannesburg, South Africa.
  • OUT OF CONTEXT, UJ Art Gallery, Johannesburg, South Africa.
  • Back to the Future II – Abstract Art in South Africa: Past & Present, SMAC Gallery Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
  • FORGED: New Sculptures by Gail Catlin, Ruann Coleman and Barend de Wet, SMAC Gallery Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
  • Pooling Our Secrets… SMAC Gallery Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
  • Cape Town Art Fair (SMAC Gallery), V&A Waterfront – The Avenue, Cape Town, South Africa.
  • Public Sculpture Initiative, Cape Town Art Fair, Cape Town, South Africa.

2014

  • FNB Joburg Art Fair (SMAC Gallery), Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa.Viewing Room III | Landscape, SMAC Gallery Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
  • Cape Town Art Fair (SMAC Gallery), V&A Waterfront – The Pavillion, Cape Town, South Africa.
  • ABSA l’Atelier, Top 100 Selection, ABSA Gallery, Johannesburg, South Africa.

2013

  • Cape Town Art Fair (SMAC Gallery), V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, South Africa.
  • ‘in’, Brundyn + Gonsalves, Cape Town, South Africa.
  • GREATIST HITS 2012: IF THE HALLS COULD TALK, AVA Gallery, Cape Town, South Africa.

2012

  • Catalyst Graduate Exhibition 2012, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
  • Sasol New Signature, Top 100 Selection, Pretoria Art Museum, Pretoria, South Africa.

2010

  • Le Spectacle de Terroir, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________