Ran Manolov
Ran Manolov is a sculptor and creative director based in London. He has an extensive career in both traditional and digital media and has held residencies at prestigious institutions such as the Cité
Written by Cassie Mckenzie.
Ran Manolov is a sculptor and creative director based in London. He has an extensive career in both traditional and digital media and has held residencies at prestigious institutions such as the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris. Ran has won various awards, including first prizes in national and international art competitions with the National Academy of Art and with Archeology and Nowadays. Additionally, Ran has contributed to high-profile projects in the film and gaming industries, working with studios like BLUR, Blizzard Entertainment, and Industrial Light & Magic.
The sculptures are distinguished by their exploration of hybrid forms, where human and animal elements merge to create his sculptures. His style is marked by meticulous attention to anatomical detail, which precisely captures the intricacies of muscles, skin textures, and posture. Such a realistic approach remains juxtaposed with the imaginative nature of his subjects, which often include surreal elements such as wings, horns, distortions, or additional limbs. His ability to use altered proportions and distorted figures creates eerie characters.
Ran’s work frequently delves into themes of transformation and metamorphosis, emphasizing the fluidity and interconnectedness of forms and identities. His dynamic poses and expressive features imbue the sculptures with a sense of motion and vitality, making them almost lifelike. Ran also often incorporates elements of mythology and folklore, drawing on these rich traditions to inform his creations. His works engage viewers through visual impact and conceptual depth, exploring ideas of form, identity, power, and the natural world. The recurring theme of hybridization shows Ran’s ability to blend disparate elements seamlessly, showcasing his creative vision.
Satyr with Mask (pictured above) is a prime example of Ran’s complexity in his sculptures. Combining human and goat-like features, the creature holds a golden human mask, creating a striking juxtaposition of animalistic and human characteristics. With meticulous detailing of the satyr's anatomy, from the muscular definition to the texture of its skin, Ran highlights focus on anatomical precision. The satyr’s fur contains rendering with a lifelike texture, contrasting with the smooth, polished surface of the golden mask. A detailed mask suggests themes of identity and deception, as if the satyr is hiding or contemplating its true nature. The pose of the satyr, sitting and contemplative, adds a layer of complexity, as if the creature reflects on the duality of its existence. The satyr's horns curve distinctly, adding a sense of menace and mystique to the figure. This piece showcases Ran’s ability to blend realism with fantasy, underscoring the thematic repetition in his focus on hybrid forms.
Ran Manolov’s art remains a testament to his technical skill and fascination with hybrid forms and mythological themes. While his focus on these fantastical, merged entities demonstrates a consistent vision, also highlighting a realistic approach. Ran creates striking and hyper-realistic figures which convey his skill and craftsmanship. His abilities have been recognized and used in various films, marking his work as iconic and impactful. Such bold achievements lay a solid foundation for such an expansion, promising future works which are as technically impressive as they are conceptually rich.
Artist website: https://www.ranmanolov.art
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ran-manolov-68536b80
Saatchi Art: https://www.saatchiart.com/account/profile/2371851