M.A.R.
Manifest Artist in Residence
2025/2026
Ryan Kerr
Ryan Kerr is an artist and educator from Cleveland, Ohio. He holds a BFA from the University of Cincinnati (2019) and an MFA from Miami University, Ohio (2025). A previous Manifest scholarship recipient, his time pursuing figure drawing at the Drawing Center was an early touchstone in his development as an artist.
Kerr has worked across a wide range of creative and professional roles, including screen printing, art handling, and art restoration in Dallas, Texas, and teaching art at the public high school level in Cincinnati. He has also contributed to the field as an art editorial writer. His work has been exhibited at The Bowery Gallery and Susan Eley Fine Art in New York City, and he has studied at the Mount Gretna School of Art.
In 2022, Ryan thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail.
Artist's Statement:
My process begins with the contemplation of my immediate surroundings. Primarily, I use the method of perceptual easel painting to capture internal and external sensory experiences. Connecting with natural landscapes is an essential goal in my practice. The skeletal quality of a winter landscape or the heavy heat of summer shapes the mood of the paintings and affects the practical challenges of painting onsite. Navigating these limits is precisely what leads to unique and specific marks with my painting tools. I do not aim to just describe what I see, but record an interaction.
As perception changes during painting, I attempt to find a connection with my subject. The philosopher Martin Buber likens this process to having a conversation with someone where constant awareness is required to respond. By listening to the environment and bringing enough of myself to the moment, a transformation takes place on the surface of the painting. Through this process, I develop a deeper, more empathetic connection with my surroundings. Mark-making acts as a mnemonic device for presence. Painting can be a form of memory-mining, record keeping, and wishmaking where the image condenses past, present, and future.
The images pictured at right are a sampling of those submitted with Ryan's application.
As Manifest Artist in Residence Ryan will be based out of M1, the new home of the Manifest Drawing Center program, and the future home of The Manifest Center for the Visual Arts, on Central Parkway.
See more and learn about Ryan's work here:
ryanekerr.com
Information on how to apply for future SIR or MAR awards can be found here.
