Mark Ryden’s Anima Animals

Blending pop culture themes with techniques reminiscent of the old masters, Mark Ryden has created a singular style that blurs the traditional boundaries between high and low art. His work first garnered attention in the 1990s when he ushered in a new genre of painting, “pop surrealism,” dragging a host of followers in his wake. Ryden has trumped the initial surrealist strategies by choosing topics loaded with cultural connotation.

Mark Ryden returns with 20 new incredible portraits of creatures From his Snow Yak to his very personal interpretation of the California bear, for more than 20 years Mark Ryden has populated an incredible "pop surrealist" bestiary of half-animal, half-plush creatures. Freely inspired by the Rushton toys that enjoyed their heyday in America in the '60s and '70s, these creatures are now the object of a cult worship among fans of the artist, and are one of his marks of distinction in the world of contemporary art.  This book reveals the details and backgrounds of the 20 new paintings Mark Ryden has created for his 2020's show at Emmanuel Perrotin's gallery in Shanghai, but also some of his most iconic master-pieces showcasing yaks and others creatures of his own mythology.  With a statement essay from the artist and an introduction by Takashi Murakami ("the Warhol of Japan"), this "little pink book" will become an instant classic for the lovers of contemporary art and surrealism.