Artist Statement
As an artist, I define my work as obnoxiously large and unapologetically Black. For a breadth of people who are simultaneously hyper visible and invisible, how can we consistently be ignored? My images capture the mystique of melanin and captivate the consciousness of untold stories that society has deemed myths and fables. Utilizing an array of mixed media, my mission is to amplify the voices and experiences of the African Diaspora; I create art that demands space, acknowledgement and consideration. Both my pedagogy and practice center on the history, the culture, the resilience and joy of black people using large scales of work to confront, educate and celebrate.
Inspired by the merging of historical narratives (known and unknown) with contemporary expressions of the culture, I am committed to honor the past while pushing conversations about Blackness, Black joy and Black Humanity forward. My work is a testimony of black excellence of our survival, innovation, beauty, and unapologetically speaking our truth to power. It is through my work, I hope to reveal the truth of people of the African Diaspora; it is through my images, I intend to liberate us all.
--Ryan Nichole Leary, Visual Artist
Artist Biography
Ryan Nichole Leary was born in Cincinnati, Ohio and started making works of art at a very young age. At the age of one, her parents caught her drawing on the wall, like most children, However, her parents, Allen and Darla Leary, decided to let her continue her creations. Her parents hung large sheets of paper on walls in the house, so she can create her mural size pieces.
In high school, Leary was extremely dedicated to the visual arts as well as teaching. She participated in local shows and competitions throughout Cincinnati. Ryan attended Bowling Green State University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Art History. It was in undergrad that Ryan's artistic side blossomed as well as her passion for art education and art activism.
Leary took her gifts to Chicago, Illinois, and was the founding Visual Art Instructor at Butler College Prep. She shares her talents, skills, stories and passion with her leaders (students); she encourages them to find their passion and let it lead the way. In 2016, Leary returned to Cincinnati where she has taught at Elementz Arts Community center, hosted lectures at the University of Cincinnati, provided private art lessons, assisted in acquiring pieces for collectors, and continues to exhibit and work as a visual artist.
In 2021, she joined the C.A.N.V.A.S. ( Creative Artist Nurturing Vision & Advance Skill), a mentoring program that develops future BIPOC students in their artistic skill and career; she serves as the art historian. Today, she has partnered and worked with many Cincinnati Art organizations including the ROMAC (Robert O’Neal Multicultural Art Center), Cincinnati Art Museum, Black Art Speaks, Artworks, Cincinnati Art Associations, and more. Today, she continues to create works that reflect the narratives of her community as well as inspire others to explore and celebrate their creativity.
"Any form of art is a form of power. It has impact; it can affect change. It can not only move us, it can make use move"
--Ossie Davis, 1974