Ken Ragsdale Artist Talk

Artist Ken Ragsdale discusses his inspiration, process and the new series of artworks in his solo show, “Symphony” at the Front Room Gallery.

“Symphony,” is a solo exhibition of mixed media photographs by artist Ken Ragsdale. Drawing on childhood memories, Ragsdale’s process-driven work is rooted in narrative and incorporates a range of artistic disciplines—including drawing, painting, sculpture, paper craft, theatrical lighting, and photography. Ragsdale’s forced-perspective paper diorama photographs are clear descendants of the Hudson River School of painting. Within these wistful landscapes, his affection for machinery is unmistakable—trucks, tractors, and classic cars punctuate the scenes, becoming central subjects. In the absence of their owners, these vehicles serve as poignant stand-ins, suggesting stories of departure, memory, and presence.

Each of the twelve works in Symphony expresses an emotion tied to Ragsdale’s experience of moments in a day—Morning, Noon, Afternoon, and Evening—repeated in succession. While each piece stands alone with its own narrative, together they form a continuous, flowing story that loops and evolves, echoing the rhythms of time and memory.