Suburban Primitive Art

Gualala Arts is excited to announce the opening of a new exhibit by Ronald Walker, which will commence on Friday, June 14, from 4-6 p.m., and will be on display until July 7, 2024. The exhibit will be held at Gualala Arts Coleman Hall. Ronald Walker, an artist based in the Sacramento area of California, explores a unique style known as “Suburban Primitive.” This approach merges his fascination with the essence and purpose of art with the experience of suburban life. Walker’s art transcends the mere representation of physical reality, delving into the portrayal of his emotional, psychological, and intellectual responses to his surroundings. Painting, for Walker, is a form of visual thinking—a method to make sense of, connect, and organize the myriad thoughts that permeate his consciousness. He believes that everything in our existence is interconnected, and his artistic endeavor is to discover and investigate these connections. The upcoming special showing is a testament to his philosophy and promises to offer visitors a profound insight into the suburban soul.

“For me the draw of art lies not in the depiction of physical reality but rather the representation of my emotional, psychological and intellectual reactions to the environment in which I live. In general painting1 for me·, is visual thinking. It is a way of making sense, finding connections and organizing the· seemingly incongruent thoughts that bounce around within my head. Ultimately I hold the belief that all things, within our existence, are somehow tied together and my task, as an artist1 is to find and explore these ties.” Says Walker.

Ronald C. Walker, an artist with a distinctive Suburban Primitive style, presents a unique blend of Dadaist and Symbolist influences in his artwork. His pieces serve as a metaphorical roadmap, reflecting the inner journey and experiences within suburban life. Walker’s education includes an M.F.A. from the University of Kansas and an M.A. from Central Missouri State University, with a foundational B.S. in Education, Art functional major, and an A.A. from Ventura Community College. His work, primarily gouache on board measuring 11″x14″, has been showcased in numerous solo and group exhibitions across California and beyond, including the Morris Graves Museum of Art and the Museum of Wild and Newfangled Art Biennial. Walker’s art is a testament to his exploration of art’s origins and its role in everyday life, particularly within the context of the suburbs.

Featured image; The Divide #1 by Ronald Walker