Ryan McCourt is one of Canada’s most well-known contemporary sculptors. His work sparks a range of emotions, as his pieces are statements on the themes of culture, religion, freedom, and human nature. With his art, McCourt challenges perceptions of life, compelling the viewer to rethink various issues. In this article on iedmonton, we will discuss his journey and his major works.
Life Story
Ryan McCourt was born in Edmonton in 1975. He was born into a large family and was the youngest of five children. McCourt attended Patricia Heights Elementary School, then Hillcrest Junior High School, and Jasper Place High School.
After finishing high school, McCourt enrolled at the University of Alberta. In 1997, he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, and in 1999, a Master of Fine Arts degree. McCourt was a student of the renowned sculptor Peter Hide.
During his studies, McCourt worked as a photographer for the Edmonton Eskimos football club, and after completing his master’s degree, he worked at The Works Art & Design Festival in 2001. Later, he also served as a curator for an exhibition of artist Tony Baker’s work.
In 2002, McCourt decided to create his own project and founded the North Edmonton Sculpture Workshop. It was a cooperative aimed at developing contemporary sculpture in the city. The cooperative’s first large-scale work was the “Great Things” series of sculptures for the Royal Alberta Museum.
In 2004, the 5.5-metre sculpture “A Modern Outlook” was installed in Edmonton, and in 2005, the sculptor organized an entire sculpture exhibition for Alberta’s centennial.
McCourt’s Style
Ryan McCourt’s sculptures are very dynamic. They contain many different symbols. The sculptor often uses recognizable mythological, religious, and cultural imagery. As for material, Ryan McCourt frequently used scrap steel. McCourt likes its strength and durability, as well as the ability to transform a “low” material into “high” art.
Despite careful preparation of materials, improvisation and spontaneity are fundamental aspects of his art. Often, ideas find him on their own. The sculptor’s works do not strive to be “comfortable” but simply want to be heard. McCourt loves publicity and often brings his art into the urban space. His sculptures have long been a part of Edmonton’s urban landscape, but at the same time, they have not lost their ability to surprise.
Controversies
Ryan McCourt is considered a very controversial artist. On one occasion, one of his sculptures was removed because it allegedly offended the sentiments of Edmonton’s Hindu community.
During a protest against an exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, McCourt sent a painting depicting politician Stephen Harper as “Napoleon as Mars the Peacemaker” along with a fabricated letter from the Prime Minister. His prank became part of the exhibition.
McCourt has also spoken out against public art and criticized the “Talus Dome” sculpture, on which the city spent a considerable amount of money. He said it was a “disgrace to our citizens.”
McCourt’s Gallery “Common Sense”
In 2007, the sculptor opened his own gallery, which he named “Common Sense.” The gallery is run by the North Edmonton Sculpture Workshop. Here, you can purchase sculptures by local creators. 100% of the sales revenue goes directly to the artists. This gallery does not conform to the standards of traditional galleries. You could say it is a very free space, the kind that artists usually dream of.
The gallery has become an important platform for discussions, supporting young artists, and developing the city’s independent art scene. It is wonderful that Edmonton’s painters and sculptors have access to a public platform that imposes no restrictions.