Lot 12: Nothing's Shocking

Ryan McCann
Acrylic on fiberglass, signed by the artist.

Inspired by Jane's Addiction's Nothing's Shocking album as well as the band's self-titled album recorded live at The Roxy Theatre in 1987.

"Just as this album cover encapsulated the band's essence in 1988, I feel the enigmatic image speaks volumes about their history. The guitar features the sexually ambiguous figures that donned the album's cover and was rendered in my unique style of burning it in with a blowtorch," notes McCann. "As for the back of the guitar, I want to honor the significant date of January 26, 1987, as the day the band recorded their first live album at The Roxy [that] eventually led to their major label signing."

Ryan McCann has a background in sports as a former quarterback for the UCLA Bruins and Cincinnati Bengals. When his career was cut short due to a shoulder injury he started lighting things on fire. Since his immersion into the art world, McCann has created a technique and a niche for himself as a Pyrographer, using a blowtorch to burn the image into the wood. His work ambiguously attacks popular culture while navigating socio-political truths. McCann's portrait of renowned UCLA Coach John Wooden titled Coach is part of the permanent collection at the UCLA Hall of Fame. He has also created commissioned work for Quincy Jones, Patron Tequila, the World Champion New Orleans Saints, and NBA Hall of Fame star Jerry West. McCann currently lives and works in Los Angeles.