Rone (Tyrone Wright)
Image source Timothy Marriage
Finding the friction point between beauty and decay is a thread that runs through much of Rone’s work. As a street artist best known for his haunting, stylised images of women’s faces, he understands better than most that beauty can be fleeting. Seeing his artworks gradually worn away by natural and human elements has taught him to appreciate the unexpected beauty of an image as it begins to blend back into its more prosaic surroundings.
Rone has gone from spearheading Melbourne’s fledgling street art movement in the early 2000s, as a member of the Everfresh crew, to being a celebrated fixture on the international street art scene. An inveterate traveller, his distinctive female muses have followed him around the world, and can be found – in various states of decay – peering out from beneath overpasses and emblazoned on walls everywhere from New York to New Zealand and many places in between.
These days, Rone’s work is found as often in galleries as it is on the streets. His work has been acquisitioned by the National Gallery of Australia, commissioned by the National Gallery of Victoria to work with Jean Paul Gaultier and shown by galleries including Stolen Space in London, Urban Nation in Berlin and Allouche Gallery in New York.
Rone, the Melbourne artist, has carved a distinct niche for himself, renowned for his large-scale "walkthrough" installations that breathe life into forgotten spaces. Transitioning from painting murals, Rone embarked on a transformative journey, collaborating with the very spaces themselves to evoke captivating narratives.
Together with his collaborators, Rone orchestrates the construction of these immersive installations, reminiscent of movie sets. Every aspect, from designing the furniture to meticulously placing cobwebs and dust, is executed with unparalleled attention to detail. The result is an enchanting fusion of sight, sound, and atmosphere, as carefully crafted soundscapes intertwine with dynamic lighting sequences.
Breaking free from the confines of the traditional gallery model, Rone has embraced a path less traveled, affording him the flexibility to explore new artistic horizons. His most recent triumph unfolded within the iconic Flinders Street Train Station, an architectural gem that stands as the epitome of Melbourne's identity.
Drawing from his street art background, Rone recognises the pivotal role of context in the appreciation of art. Unable to fully convey such context within the confines of a white-walled gallery, he embarked on a journey to present his work within its natural environment. Initially capturing his creations through photography, RONE swiftly extended an invitation to viewers to experience these sites firsthand. This innovative approach paved the way for collaboration with sound and lighting experts, offering Rone an entirely new dimension to incorporate into his art beyond the flat image.
Rone's work is a testament to the power of transformation, breathing new life into forgotten spaces and engaging audiences in a multi-sensory journey. With each installation, he pushes the boundaries of artistic expression, inspiring viewers to question their perceptions and embrace the beauty of impermanence.
Visit: rone.art
