Art Madrid'26 – MARK RYDEN AND HIS WONDER CHAMBER

The meat train, oil on canvas, 2000

 

 

Mark Ryden, graduated in 1987 at the Art Center Collage des Desing in Pasadena. It began to draw attention, towards the decade of the 90 with its pop surrealism, dragging to multitude of followers and artists ready to embrace that current. Two of the characteristics of this artist are, perseverance and strength. These two facets made him overcome the initial surrealistic strategies, choosing icons loaded with cultural connotations.

 

 

Girl eaten by tree, oil on canvas 2006 

 

 

Ryden's vocabulary, encrypted and naive in some cases, crosses the thin line between the nostalgic cliché and the haunting archetype. Seduced by its infinitely detailed and meticulously enamelled surfaces, the viewer faces the juxtaposition of the innocence of childhood and the mysterious voids of the soul. A subtle unease dwells in his paintings. The exhibition, "House of Wonders", has 55 works spanning 20 years of creation. Not only are they small formats, but they coexist with large works and even sculpture.

 

 

Grotto of the Old Mass, oil on canvas, 2008

 

 

Mark Ryden is the father of "Lowbrow Art", this movement emerged in Los Angeles, California in the 20th century, began to take on special importance in the 1990s. The essence of this movement is to reject the intellectual and elitist pretensions associated with the consumption of contemporary art, and in turn, nourished by icons of American popular culture such as cartoon characters, tattoos or the aesthetics of graffiti , among other. We must also add the interpretation of Catholic and Masonic iconographies. With all this information, the artist creates his own collective imagination.

 

 

A dog named jesus, oil on paper, 1997

 

 

The mysterious characteristics of the classic and the fantastic, materialize with the figures of large round eyes and smiling. This exhibition, will be in force until March 5 at the Center of Contemporary Art of Malaga, if you are in the area, do not dude to visit this exhibition in Europe. You do not miss the hype.

 

 

 



Art Madrid’26 presents One Shot Collectors, a program sponsored by One Shot Hotels that returns to the fair -now in its sixth edition- with the goal of making contemporary art collecting more accessible and encouraging new and established collectors alike. The initiative is designed to support both art professionals and new audiences interested in starting or strengthening a collection by providing tools, knowledge, and specialized guidance.

One Shot Collectors promotes an informed and approachable way of acquiring artworks, understanding collecting as a process that requires discernment, context, and time. The program serves as a bridge between the public and the artworks presented at the fair, fostering a confident and well-informed relationship with the art market.



The program is directed by Ana Suárez Gisbert, an art advisor with extensive experience in the art market. Her background includes artwork valuation and appraisal, as well as personalized advisory services throughout the acquisition process, helping participants identify works that align with their interests, budget, and goals. Her approach combines technical rigor with a strong commitment to best practices and sustainability within the art ecosystem.

Art collecting goes beyond the purchase of a single work. It involves an intellectual, aesthetic, and personal journey that connects collectors with the artist’s context, discourse, and creative process. Building a collection means developing a personal point of view, making informed decisions, and allowing the collection to evolve coherently over time, guided by enjoyment and confidence in one’s own taste.

So how do we decide where to focus and how to move forward? Where do we begin? How does one purchase connect to the next? A successful acquisition comes from following personal interests, learning to recognize what truly resonates with us, and staying informed before and throughout the process.

During Art Madrid’26, One Shot Collectors offered a personalized advisory service tailored to different profiles: established collectors, individuals acquiring their first artwork, and companies interested in developing collections aligned with their values and brand identity. The program adapts to a wide range of needs and offers customized tours of the fair based on aesthetic, conceptual, and budget considerations.

Our Art Advisor prepares a curated selection of artworks according to each buyer’s criteria and provides support throughout the negotiation process, offering a professional and strategic perspective. In this way, collecting becomes an informed, coherent, and rewarding experience.

Beginning a collection may stem from a desire for knowledge and aesthetic, social, economic, or even corporate exploration. At Art Madrid, we encourage collecting among individuals and companies interested in patronage and investment. This initiative is aimed at both professionals and contemporary art enthusiasts who wish to start or continue building a collection. Art Madrid presents a wide variety of works across disciplines such as photography, painting, sculpture, and installation, spanning a broad range of price points.

Whether you are an experienced collector, a first-time buyer, or a company seeking to express its values through art, the One Shot Collectors program offers a comprehensive experience.


ABOUT ONE SHOT HOTELS. SPONSOR OF ART MADRID

One Shot Hotels is a collection of 14 boutique hotels set in some of the most desirable locations in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, San Sebastián, and Porto. In 2026, the brand will expand its presence with new openings in three additional destinations: Ibiza, Lisbon, and Bilbao. Each property embodies a strong commitment to design, creativity, and aesthetics, seamlessly weaving art and culture into every space.

More than places to stay, One Shot Hotels are destinations with soul. Every interior reflects artistic sensitivity and an uncompromising attention to detail, offering guests a memorable experience where comfort, style, and culture coexist effortlessly. A spirit of closeness, innovation, and a deep passion for the arts defines the brand’s identity and shapes the way it connects people with the creative essence of each city it inhabits.

Through initiatives such as One Shot Collectors, the hotel group brings art and culture closer to both guests and visitors, fostering meaningful connections between its hotel spaces and the creative pulse of each destination.


ABOUT ANA SUÁREZ GISBERT. PROGRAM ART ADVISOR

Ana Suárez Gisbert holds a law degree from Complutense University of Madrid, with a specialization in international law and the international trade of artworks. She is a certified art and antiques appraiser and court-appointed expert through Antonio de Nebrija University, and a partner at the art appraisal firm Art Value Project.

She has carried out appraisal work for major collections and insurance companies and has represented leading international publications in the fields of art and design, including Frieze, Frieze Masters, and Gagosian. She currently combines her work at the appraisal firm with an art and sustainability project for private companies and municipal institutions

The advisory service is part of Art Madrid’26 One Shot Collectors Program and is completely free for participants who register in advance. To receive personalized advice, please request more information at vip@art-madrid.com or register using the following form:





Patrocinador de ART MADRID'26

One Shot Hotels