Mark Ryan is a sculptor. He works in a variety of materials – wood, clay, plaster, steel, stainless steel and bronze. He welds, cuts, casts and shapes. The scale of his work varies from small scale intimate works to very large scale sculptures in public spaces. His work is included in many national and international collections.

He has received the Arts Council Ireland Agility Award 2023, the Braun prize at Carlow Eigse and the Halward Sculpture prize. His work is selected regularly for the RHA annual show and Sculpture in Context, the Botanic Gardens Dublin and by various galleries throughout Ireland.

Mark has successfully completed numerous Public Art Commissions in the Per Cent for Art Scheme. He has received commissions from The Office of Public Works, The Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Education, The HSE, University College Dublin, Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School and many Local Authorities. He has also completed a number of commissions for Liturgical Artworks.

Artist Statement

‘The starting point for my work is my connection with and my response to, my immediate environment.  As a sculptor I draw in 3 dimensions with materials that allow an immediacy of action.  Some works are spatial drawings, while some are more contemplative, drawing on my emotional response to a place or feeling. The sculptures develop in an intuitive way, creating windows of focus that are sometimes awkwardly balanced. My fascination is with form, texture and the contrasting of scale and finish. The balance and rhythm between the components of the pieces are not always directional, but free form, the balance at times self conscious.  My pieces are ‘resolved’ when the visual dialogue has reached a conclusion. However, in some cases, aspects are left unsaid, the sentences left incomplete. My large scale works tend to have calligraphic qualities, which concentrate on the capturing of volume and space, with the lightest touch and the balancing of positive and negative spaces. This is often achieved by forming materials through a process of rolling or folding.’

Mark Ryan Sculptor 2024