'Ryan French is an artist currently based in Manchester. The subject matter of his work lies in the human condition and the ability to share and connect our experiences through visual language.

'The Hedgehog's dilemma' was an analogy used by Schopenhauer and later Freud to describe the state of the individual in relation to society- ‘It describes a situation in which a group of hedgehogs seek to move close to one another to share heat during cold weather. They must remain apart, however, as they cannot avoid hurting one another with their sharp spines. Though they all share the intention of a close reciprocal relationship, this may not occur, for reasons they cannot avoid.’

In this painting, I wanted to explore the beauty of natural forms, in both nature and the human body. Feeling isolated within society, wanting to communicate but being unable to, is a subject matter I have always been attracted to. However, it is all the more poignant during the pandemic, now that we must literally, physically stay distant to avoid harming one another. I wanted to remind people that although these are trying times, there is still so much beauty in the world- and in introspection.

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- Sadie Downing