Martin Browne Contemporary is delighted to present Mongrel the first solo exhibition with the gallery by Sue Ryan

Ryan’s technical facility is formidable. For each dog she wrangled heavy galvanised wire into an elegant sub-stratum to support finer wire mesh which, in turn, was robust enough to take the punishment of thick fishing line wrenched into stitches that fixed an outer layer of retrieved ghost net as dog hair. Beyond any pedestrian feat of repurposing, Ryan’s canine radar for feral runts, tip scroungers and wily, crook companions elevates her project to a meditation on the grim survival strategies of feral creatures and how implicated we are.

Amusing and serious, tough and tender, Ryan is an artist with heart and generous talent. Collaboration with indigenous artists and the ghost net movement over the past six years confirmed her commitment to community and cultural development. Now Sue Ryan’s sculptural gift is at the front and centre of Mongrel.

Press release courtesy Martin Browne Contemporary.