Volker Ruhland's oils clearly evoke the spirit of Dali, yet they manage to do so without looking like anything produced by that surrealist master, as Ruhland's compositional technique for figures and particularly his color schemes are wholly his own. Each of his canvases is awash in a light yet dominant hue that grounds the visual experience, from which Ruhland builds his otherworldly imagery, rich in detail and intrigue. Eyes often figure prominently in his work, seemingly pointing out to the viewer that there is much to experience if one will take the time to look. If we do, we often see disorienting imagery rendered with disarming innocence, reminding us that the act of beholding can be a pure pleasure.
Ruhland's passion for painting rose to another level in the 1970s when he and his brother converted an old wax factory in their native Germany into an art studio, where other artists could work and have exhibits. Today Ruhland remains as focused as ever on his artistic pursuits, while also enjoying the serenity afforded by his atelier on the greenbelt of Mainz.
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