As an award winning emerging Canadian artist, Ryan Macpherson’s work focuses on whimsically re-contextualizing the beauty and traditionalism of classical realism with the freedom of expression afforded to contemporary Canadian artists. Working primarily in oil, Macpherson approaches painting as a space where irony, play, and historical reference collide. His practice often draws from classical compositional structures while subverting them through surreal or humorous interventions, creating works that invite viewers to reconsider the role of realism in a contemporary context.

Through this blending of reverence and irreverence, Macpherson’s paintings aim to spark dialogue between past and present, challenging the boundary between fine art tradition and modern conceptual play. His practice situates itself within a lineage of realist painting while insisting on a space for whimsy and experimentation, reflecting the diverse cultural landscape of Canadian contemporary art.

Born in 1996 in Barrie, Canada, Ryan became immersed in the arts while living in London, England, before moving to Toronto, Canada, where he began his artistic practice.

CV

Selected exhibitions:

2024, A Beautiful Life: Still Life Exhibition, Summer & Grace Gallery, Oakville, Ontario, Canada.

2024, Juried Show of Visual Arts, Art Gallery of Mississauga, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.

2024, The Human Condition, Sahar K. Boluki Gallery. Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

2025, Phantasia Exhibition, It’s Ok Studios. Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

2025, Blue Mountain Foundation for the Arts Juried Show. Collingwood, Ontario, Canada.

2025, The Power of She, Summer & Grace Gallery. Oakville, Ontario, Canada,

2025, Fifth Annual Juried Show of Visual Arts, Art Gallery of Mississauga, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.

Awards:

Jurors Choice Award: Art Gallery of Mississauga. Fifth Annual Juried Show of Visual Arts.

Selected Publications:

2024, Visionary Magazine Second Issue.