The Cult of Personality
Kim Kardashian unveils BTS of getting wrapped up in shipping tape: see pics by Ruby Dickson
As algorithms curate beauty standards and influencers set trends, the Kardashians reign supreme. But what if they were more than just reality TV stars? This month, we explore the art of Ruby Dickson, where the lines between critique and guilty pleasure blur in her Kim Kardashian-inspired paintings.
Addy: Ruby, thank you so much for joining me! What sparked your initial interest in painting?
Ruby: I became interested in painting from a young age and the journey to my practice as it is today started when I began studying at Leeds College of Art. While there, I was pushed to explore multiple disciplines: photography, sculpture, installation etc. In doing so, I quickly learned that my attraction was to painting! After this, I went to Goldsmiths to study fine art and history of art, a course that in comparison had no defined pathways, which suited me as I shared studios with artists working in a variety of mediums and not just being surrounded by painters. On the history of art side, what really resonated with me was Popular Modernism led by Mark Fisher. I felt at ease in these lectures that weren't dedicated to philosophy specialists, the course straddled the experimental and the mainstream from 'The Weird and the Eerie' to Kanye West.
Kim Kardashian Proves That Birkin Bags Are Not Single Use: Vogue by Ruby Dickson
Addy: So interesting! What were the earliest influences that led you to explore celebrity culture in your art?
Ruby: My earliest influences started and remain with Francis Bacon. In interviews he described his paintings as seeking the “brutality of fact”, and that his career took so long because he struggled to find subject matter to sustain his interest. If I look at myself in relation, I think maybe my initial interest in celebrity culture/paparazzi imagery is precisely because of the fleetingness of these shots and the ambiguity of their authenticity.
Addy: I love that. Your new solo show features paintings inspired by Kim Kardashian, what was the driving force behind creating this body of work?
Kim Kardashian Stepping out in Paris in Unreleased Sunglasses & Biker Jacket From Summer ’24 by Ruby Dickson
Madonna : On The Cover Of A Magazine : 1989 Cherish by Ruby Dickson
Ruby: The concept of displaying only 'Kims' at my current solo at Nicoletti started from the first few 'Icon' paintings I created, and the images I chose were for some reason of Madonna, of whom it's been said looks like my mother! Or is that meant to be said the other way around? I'm sure we could psychoanalyse this. I guess these paintings are me thinking through my identity, and in a sense, attempting to validate it. After the Madonna paintings, I started saving a collection of Kim Kardashian images; I found some on Instagram, some on Getty Images, and so on. In the end, Kim doesn't mean anything to me, they're mostly just good images. The images of Kim are chosen just because of the direction she walks or the shadows the paparazzi flashbulbs create. She's an embodiment of the current modes of identity branding, that we all seem to be operating under, I think she serves to embody a quest for validation which maybe is also my own.
Kim Kardashian seen with her sons Saint and Psalm as they arrive back at their hotel in New York City. 21 June, 2022 by Ruby Dickson
Addy: I like the idea of exploring that collective desire for validation. How does this exhibition differ from your previous work, if at all?
Sarah Jessica Parker has sustained other foot injuries during her time in Hollywood by Ruby Dickson
Ruby: I would say my work hasn't differed too much in its intentions, in style, or approach to painting. The images may change but the idea remains the same, I've made paintings of Bambi, Pamela Anderson, Carrie Bradshaw, Madonna, I couldn't tell you what they have in common for me, but maybe something to do with the fact that I also really like designer clothing knockoffs? Ha. Perhaps in painting I'm trying to bring things to equality, can everything be equal? I find pictures to paint from serendipitously or through mining various image archives online, I'm looking for the ones that strike something in me. Paparazzi shots are good as they allow for easy replication because of their flatness.
Addy: There are so many memorable paparazzi shots, I always think of Ben Affleck with his Dunkin’ Donuts. Do you often revisit or revise your paintings after they're completed?
Ruby: So far, I haven't revisited a work after it was completed. I just make the same painting again and again.
Addy: And what role does experimentation play in your work, if any?
Ruby: For me there is very little experimentation before I attempt the image, the finished painting is what you get, it’s both working and it isn't.
Addy: It's great that you have such a clear vision for your pieces before starting. How has your style and technique evolved over time?
Kim Kardashian stopped by the Hot & Cool Cafe on Monday with Hillary and Chelsea Clinton, January 25, 2022 by Ruby Dickson
Ruby: I would say I work at pace; my style and technique are therefore determined by that. I'm also working full-time, so can only commit my evenings and weekends to the studio, I usually get around 3-4 hours a day before I am too tired.
Addy: It’s honestly amazing that you’re able to balance everything. Lastly, what role do you see artists playing in society today?
Ruby: I'm struggling to respond to this as it's difficult to assess what role an artist can actually play in society. At the moment, it seems that the focus on artists is constantly changing, and the market is also creating trends for its own sake, and it's difficult to see where all of this is going in terms of artistic purpose, to be honest.
Kim Kardashian sparkled in an over-the-top coat as she attended a dinner with the “SNL” cast by Ruby Dickson
Addy: That’s such an interesting take, there are definitely different artists that seem to have a moment or fit within a new trend every year. So at the end of interviews, I like to do something called a rapid fire round 🔥 here we go! Surrealism or Abstract Expressionism?
Ruby: Neither.
Addy: Photography or installation?
Ruby: Photography.
Addy: Bold colours or muted tones?
Ruby: Bold colours.
Addy: URL or IRL?
Ruby: IRL.
Addy: Same <3 Summer or winter?
Ruby: Winter.
Addy: Metallic or matte?
Ruby: Metallic.
Addy: Yes, love. Galaxies or coral reefs?
Ruby: Coral reefs.
Addy: Selfies or candids?
Ruby: Candid selfies?
Addy: Great choice. Coachella or Met Gala?
Ruby: Met Gala.
Addy: Kanye West or Pete Davidson?
Ruby: Kanye 😉
Addy: Final one! The last song you listened to?
Ruby: What's Up? by 4 Non Blondes.
Addy: I’m adding that to my list rn. Thanks so much, Ruby!
Don’t miss Ruby’s solo exhibition Maybe my fairy-tale has a different ending than I dreamed it would. But that’s OK. at NıCOLETTı until March 23rd.