Robyn Ward | ‘FUCKED AT BIRTH’

“Each layer depicts a different fragment of time, often one that I have been a part of; they are screenshots of my life.”
– Robyn Ward

Artist Robyn Ward presents his new series ‘Fucked at Birth,’ an exploration of destruction, violence, and the systematic breakdown of society. The new paintings are a continuation of his acclaimed series ‘Plastic Nation.’

Robyn Ward’s new body of work tells a bold narrative that is both timely and provocative. ‘Fucked at Birth’ reflects on Ward’s own childhood, growing up during the back end of the conflict in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Ward takes his own personal experience of destruction, governance, and society’s breakdown, relating them both to historical and modern-day global conflict. This allows him to examine how the world has been shaped by the past, from climate change and environmental destruction to socio-economic inequality.
Reoccurring images are obscured and unveiled again in Ward’s multi-faceted canvases.
Ward uses wet, loose brush strokes with intricate detail and distinctive markings. He tells his story through a nostalgic veil of innocence and naivety, revealing snapshots of the past while simultaneously obscuring or hiding others.
“Each layer depicts a different fragment of time,” Ward comments, “often one that I have been a part of; they are screenshots of my life.”
‘Fucked at birth’ combines street art from Ward’s past with the abstract backgrounds and impressive realism of his present. This multi-disciplinary approach allows Ward to capture energy, war, and peace that is both historical and personal.
The series will tour Mexico City (1st October – 31st November) at Robyn Ward Studio Los Angeles, New York, Zurich, London, and São Paulo starting in late 2021.

Robyn Ward

Robyn Ward is essentially the definition of a truly international artist: born in Dublin, Ireland, raised in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where he found his love for art via graffiti, honing his skills in studios and collectives in cities ranging from London and Amsterdam to Bangkok and Shanghai; currently living and painting in Mexico City and exhibiting the world over.

Ward has worked under many pseudonyms and different collectives throughout the years, until recently the artist broke from the cover of anonymity in 2017. This quickly grabbed the attention of international media, and he has been working under his birth name since. Taking inspiration from the world around him, he paints each series in different studio locations across the world, themed around the current social and economic-political landscape. His painting style is a self-taught introspective process informed by the likes of Bosch, Bacon, and Banksy, manifesting in pointed takes on our less-than-perfect societal nuances.

Ward’s mediums of choice are limitless, combining acrylics, inks, watercolors, oils, and spray paint on canvas.
With a track record of successful international solo exhibitions and group shows, Ward has captured the attention of galleries and collectors worldwide. In 2018 he exhibited in seven exhibitions, including ArtAttack
at the Royal Monceau Gallery in Paris with artists such as Banksy, Jeff Koons, Space Invader, and Mr. Brainwash, amongst other greats. Robyn has just completed his new series ‘Fucked At Birth’ and will be touring the exhibition in late 2021.

Read the full article in Art Market Magazine Issue #62