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2010s
2010s

In the 2010s, Sterling Ruby's art continued to evolve, showcasing a prolific output that spanned a broad spectrum of mediums and themes. His work during this decade is marked by a diverse and complex blend of materials and methods, from ceramics and textiles to monumental sculptures and fashion. Ruby's ceramic works, which became a significant focus during this period, reveal his engagement with both the craft and the conceptual aspects of the medium. His ceramics range from grotesque yet beautiful objects to large-scale basins filled with the detritus of previous projects, emphasizing themes of decay, transformation, and the visceral. These works, while grounded in traditional ceramic craft, subvert expectations through their bold forms and intense, often saturated, glazes. The Museum of Arts and Design highlighted Ruby's ceramic achievements in a dedicated exhibition, emphasizing his innovative approach to the medium​ (Museum of Arts and Design)​. His soft sculptures, made from fabric and filled with fiberfill, juxtapose the hardness of his sculptures with their plush, malleable forms. These pieces often resemble domestic or familiar objects, yet they carry an unsettling or ironic undertone. For instance, his "husband pillows" stacked atop each other, evoke a sense of alien otherness or dark humor, playing on themes of comfort and the uncanny​ (Artsy)​. Ruby's paintings and collages of the 2010s are characterized by a patchwork of influences and styles, from the quilting traditions of Amish communities to abstract expressionism. These works, rich in texture and color, combine dyed and bleached fabrics, photographs, and snippets of text, illustrating his concept of "illicit mergers" and the spirit of collage that pervades his work​ (Artsy)​. Moreover, Ruby's monumental sculptures of this era, like "ACTS/WS ROLLIN" and "Big Yellow Mama," blend industrial materials with references to social and political issues, from the carceral state to capital punishment, echoing the sinister undercurrents of American society. His ability to manipulate materials such as steel, formica, and polyurethane, allows him to create works that are at once aesthetically striking and deeply provocative​ (Artsy)​. Finally, Ruby's venture into fashion, through collaborations with Raf Simons and the launch of his own clothing line, S.R. Studio. LA. CA., represents an extension of his artistic vision into the realm of wearable art. These fashion endeavors are not mere sidelines but integral parts of his creative output, further blurring the boundaries between art, craft, and design​ (Wikipedia)​​ (Artsy)​. Throughout the 2010s, Sterling Ruby demonstrated a relentless drive to explore and challenge the limits of different mediums, making significant contributions to contemporary art that resist easy categorization. His work from this decade is a testament to his interdisciplinary approach and his deep engagement with both the material and the conceptual dimensions of art.