Collection: John Riddle

John Riddle

Practicing at Interact since 2012

John Riddle's pour paintings are investigations of chance, materiality, and time. In the studio, he combines acrylic paint with silicone to layer different colors on canvas. Although he’s usually a meticulous planner, of his works on his canvas, Riddle says, “I basically just put the paint on and see what happens.” He describes his artistic practice as a means of exploration: “Imagine looking for hours, time and again, at a painting, and never seeing the same thing twice. Now, imagine being the artist’s hand and having that experience.”

Riddle has presented work in exhibitions throughout Minnesota, including We Are Not Disposable (2020), Randomland at The White Page (2019), and Groundswell at Artspace Jackson Flats (2019). From 2017-19, Riddle was a member of Interact’s Artist Advisory Council, a group nominated by their peers to develop exhibitions and advocate for the careers of Interact artists. Beyond his art practice, Riddle is interested in jazz and metal, as well as fantasy-based films.

Special thanks to Xavier Tavera for this portrait of the artist.