Well hey, this is the "cafe society, right?
I just purchased the art/coffee table book, “Anima Mundi”, by Mark Ryden. If you’re not familar with the obscure work of Ryden, I suggest you check out his site at:
www.markryden.com.
I played a computer game (a while back) simply called, “9”. It was produced by Tribeca, which was headed by Robert DeNiro, Jane Rosenthal, and art direction by, Mark Ryden. Featured voice talent from Cher, James Bulushi, Christopher Reeve and even Areosmith rockers, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry. It was a “Myst” style (first person) game through the twisted lens of Ryden’s world of art. I loved it. The man is so far out of his mind, he’s back in it.
Ryden isn’t for everyone. The juxtaposed images often draws more head scratching than praise. But any artist that can pull me into his world, is one I’ll support. Even with Ryden’s obsession with raw meat, and small children with oversized heads.
The book is published by Last Gasp, and I had just missed a book signing by a week. And the book is dirt cheap ($40)…but I understand it’s already out of print. So good luck finding it. There were only six at the book store (Comic Relief, in Berkeley, California).
What art books do you have on your coffee table (or book shelf)?
Jet Black