Sterling Ruby's Vampire series stands as a unique exploration within his broad and diverse artistic practice, which spans across ceramics, painting, collage, sculpture, and textiles, among other mediums. Known for his soft sculptures, Ruby's work in this series includes large vampire mouths and double vampire mouths crafted from fabric stuffed with fiber fill. These pieces feature fabric blood drops that hang from their fabric teeth, showcasing Ruby's interest in blending horror motifs with soft, approachable materials. The Vampire series, therefore, adds a gothic, yet tactile dimension to Ruby's exploration of form and material (Wikipedia).
Ruby's work is deeply influenced by his surroundings and experiences, particularly his life and work in Los Angeles. This influence is reflected in his engagement with urban themes and societal pressures, as seen in his varied body of work that often navigates between expressionism and minimalism, the pristine and the abject. The Vampire series, with its gothic overtones, fits within Ruby's broader investigation into the ways acts of defacement—like graffiti—can generate a form of painterly sublimity. Through these pieces, Ruby continues his exploration of the boundaries between different artistic mediums, pushing the limits of traditional sculpture and installation art (Gagosian).
Unfortunately, detailed information about the exhibition of the Vampire series, such as "Sterling Ruby: Vampire" at Pace Beijing in 2011, was not directly accessible due to website restrictions. However, the series' thematic focus on classic gothic motifs suggests a new phase in Ruby's career, underlining his penchant for thematic and medium experimentation. This willingness to explore and blend various influences—from urban environments to classic horror themes—underscores the dynamic and evolving nature of Ruby's practice (Artnet).
Sterling Ruby's broader practice, which also includes significant works in ceramics, paintings, and more recently, fashion design, highlights his versatility as an artist and his ability to communicate complex themes across a variety of platforms. His collaborations and ventures into different forms of creative expression further testify to his innovative approach to art and design (Wikipedia).