Who could have thought that moldy, rotten fruit could be beautiful? As it turns out, anything is possible at the hands of talented artist, Kathleen Ryan. Ryan has perfected the art of turning fruit sculptures into mesmerizing, moldy-looking works of art. To make all types of fruits, she uses a polystyrene base measuring up to 28 inches in width. The artist then proceeds to paint the patterns of the mold and tops it off by individually placing dozens of precious and semi-precious gemstones to create the decay. The ultimate result of her unique artworks are mesmerizing - for a split second, the gems create an illusion of real mold, but then you realize you've been tricked by excellent craftsmanship. Ryan uses a variety of gemstones such as opal, smoky quartz, malachite, and many others for her beautiful sculptures.
The New York-based sculpture artist studied Studio Art and Anthropology at Pitzer College and received a Master’s of Fine Arts from U.C.L.A. Ryan is represented by Josh Lilley's gallery where her solo show was held last year. This year, her work was showcased at MIT’s List Visual Arts Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and The New Art Gallery in Walsall, U.K. Also, her unusual sculptures appeared as part of Desert X in Coachella, CA.
More info: Instagram | joshlilleygallery.com
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To take something sensually offensive, and make it into something aesthetically appealing and exquisite, tactile too, is a wonderful idea!!! This kind of thing makes the best art!!!!
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Nice to have company after 6 years of making it - Adela Kodonova, Bead Universe made by glass beads for John Bead Corp., Canada) MG_0178-5d...448400.jpg 
Someone posted a photo of their own version of these, made with glass beads, it's gone now, I'd like to know if they are for sale and how much they cost?
I think these are absolutely amazing. If I had the money, I would definitely buy a few of these, and keep them in a bowl for all to see. The shock and wow factor would be awesome.
These are quite beautiful, and the initial shock adds a real sparkle to the overall experience
Moulds can be so beautiful on its own, and these gemencrusted moulds are just rich!
At first I was like: 'Wow, like a lemon made of jewels!' but then.... :D
I agree with that 1st comment, WHY? To me, it's not pleasing to the eye, and I love gem stones.
I REALLY want to touch these! The tactile sensations would be awesome!
The amount of talent is impressive. But it makes me sick to look at, why?
Because as humans we are kind of hard-wired to be averse to things that would harm us if we ingested them. We associate the 'look' with danger and can't distinguish it isn't real. Same reason why 'bad' smells (poop, rotting things) are 'bad' to us.
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I think these are amazing. It takes real skill to make us look again at something and see it in a new light-they are beautiful and really well observed. I'd love to own one, I'd keep it in the fruit bowl and smile whenever I saw it.
Without death and decomposition there could never be birth and life. And moulds to me are very beautiful and interesting, so many colours and textures, one mould for each purpose. They are living beings who turn the dead back to new life and purpose. They make nutrients available for other beings. I think these are wonderful.
I love them! Oh they're so realistic and beautiful, I kinda want a whole basket of rotten fruit!
I'm not the least bit impressed. The pieces are ugly and look like those ornaments you make with sequins, beads, and straight pins.
The 'fruit' remind me a Faberge eggs with all those encrusted precious gems on them. They need a little stand for them. I love them!
Disgusting. Absolutely disgusting. Sorry. So much efford but...nope
I saw a picture of rotten fruit for the first time. I found the picture of the fruit interesting.
I love these exquisitely beaded fruits! This is post-modern art whereby the art looks like stuff one would throw away, if it wasn't art.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder... I really admire the work involved in the creating of each one of these!
The dedication and talent are obvious but would you want these in your home?
The amount of talent is impressive. But it makes me sick to look at, why?
Because as humans we are kind of hard-wired to be averse to things that would harm us if we ingested them. We associate the 'look' with danger and can't distinguish it isn't real. Same reason why 'bad' smells (poop, rotting things) are 'bad' to us.
Load More Replies... I think these are amazing. It takes real skill to make us look again at something and see it in a new light-they are beautiful and really well observed. I'd love to own one, I'd keep it in the fruit bowl and smile whenever I saw it.
Without death and decomposition there could never be birth and life. And moulds to me are very beautiful and interesting, so many colours and textures, one mould for each purpose. They are living beings who turn the dead back to new life and purpose. They make nutrients available for other beings. I think these are wonderful.
I love them! Oh they're so realistic and beautiful, I kinda want a whole basket of rotten fruit!
I'm not the least bit impressed. The pieces are ugly and look like those ornaments you make with sequins, beads, and straight pins.
The 'fruit' remind me a Faberge eggs with all those encrusted precious gems on them. They need a little stand for them. I love them!
Disgusting. Absolutely disgusting. Sorry. So much efford but...nope
I saw a picture of rotten fruit for the first time. I found the picture of the fruit interesting.
I love these exquisitely beaded fruits! This is post-modern art whereby the art looks like stuff one would throw away, if it wasn't art.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder... I really admire the work involved in the creating of each one of these!
The dedication and talent are obvious but would you want these in your home?
