jon eric riis: Weaver of Symbolism and Texture

Jon Eric Riis emerged from the vibrant artistic landscape of New York City in 1968, establishing himself as a singular voice within contemporary textile art—a field where he distinguishes himself through meticulous craftsmanship and profound conceptual exploration. His artworks aren’t merely decorative; they are meditations on materiality, pattern, and deeply rooted symbolic meanings – themes that consistently appear in celebrated pieces such as ‘Insect Icon Tapestry’ and ‘Flesh Kimono’. Riis's artistic genesis stemmed from a deep fascination with Japanese kimono textiles. Specifically captivated by their layered construction and restrained color palettes, he recognized the potential for weaving to convey complex ideas beyond visual representation. This initial influence profoundly shaped his creative process, prioritizing painstaking technique alongside intellectual consideration—a deliberate stance that reflects Riis’s conviction in the transformative power of understated beauty. He consciously avoids flamboyant gestures or overtly emotive styles, favoring instead a contemplative gaze upon form and texture – an approach that underscores the artist's belief in communicating significant concepts through subtle visual cues. The ‘Insect Icon Tapestry,’ arguably Riis’s most recognizable work, serves as a cornerstone of his artistic philosophy. Created during his formative years, it portrays a stylized insect figure rendered in muted hues of ochre and indigo against a textured linen background. More than just an image, the tapestry functions as a symbolic representation of metamorphosis and resilience—concepts central to Buddhist iconography and mirroring Riis’s own philosophical convictions. He painstakingly constructs the weave itself, utilizing techniques honed over decades of practice to achieve remarkable tonal subtlety and precision – demonstrating a mastery of craft that elevates the artwork beyond mere visual appeal. Similarly, ‘Flesh Kimono,’ continues Riis's exploration of textile materiality and symbolic representation. This piece delves into themes of vulnerability and transformation—a delicate equilibrium between existence and cessation—expressed through Riis’s masterful manipulation of silk chiffon and linen threads. The resulting fabric possesses an ethereal quality, capturing light and movement with grace and sophistication; it embodies the artist’s dedication to conveying intangible concepts through tangible mediums. Riis's artistic trajectory gained considerable momentum following his MFA degree from Rhode Island School of Design, marking a pivotal moment in his career. Furthermore, he received prestigious recognition as a United States Artists Fellow in 2012 – an honor that solidified his position amongst America’s foremost textile artists and cemented his reputation for producing artworks that stimulate intellect while captivating the senses. His enduring legacy resides in demonstrating how traditional weaving techniques can harmonize with conceptual innovation—a testament to Jon Eric Riis's artistic vision and unwavering commitment to exploring the profound connections between art, culture, and human experience.

• Born: New York City, United States of America (1968)
• Education: MFA, Rhode Island School of Design
• Notable Achievements: United States Artists Fellowship (2012)