Rial Rye is a contemporary sculptor whose woodcut works explore themes of race, identity, and working-class labor. (Photograph by Kevin Storer)
In this series, ArtsATL asks a member of the Atlanta arts community to share 11 things on their mind. We hope you enjoy getting to know these people better.
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Rial Rye is a self-taught sculpture artist living and working in Atlanta. Working in the medium of carved wood that is sometimes inlaid with resin and other mixed materials, he uses his 3D works to explore the relationships between people, our society’s reliance on physical labor and the visibility and safety of those who perform said labor in this country. Race, identity, belonging, sorrow and resilience are all at play in his work, which resembles long-lost relics that also confront contemporary, cross-cultural concepts. He is currently a resident studio artist at Atlanta Contemporary.
1. Moms – My first-ever and always first favorite thing.
2. Margaritas – Preferably Zócalo’s passion fruit, blended, with a sugar rim and side of extra spicy guacamole.
3. High Museum of Art – Atlanta is so privileged to have a museum with such a beautiful collection of folk art.
4. The Sims and any other crafting game – After a long day of building physical things, nothing helps me relax like building digital things.
5. Eclipse di Luna – If you go to lots of art exhibitions, you probably already know this gem. If you don’t go to lots of art exhibitions . . . you should! And also you should go to Eclipse. Order the lamb chops and green beans.
6. Assemblage – Any art with repurposed materials makes my heart race. Vanessa German’s The Three-Headed Girl: A Comprehensive List of Everything That Will Try to Kill You on a Sunday, or, The Three Headed Girl Knows Exactly How to Stay Alive is a required part of any visit to The High.
7. Joining Hearts – Great organization, fantastic mission, unparalleled pool party.
8. PrEP, PEP and Antiretrovirals – Access to sexual health care is life-changing and lifesaving.
9. Atlanta Contemporary – A free-entry local museum dedicated to showcasing a diverse range of contemporary art.
10. Fried goat cheese balls – Ecco’s are fabulous. But every Atlantan knows Fado reigns supreme.
11. Adriana Varejão – My favorite contemporary artist. I can’t get enough of her Jerked-Beef Ruins. Who can?
